Audenshaw doctor urges residents to quit smoking ahead of Ramadan

As Ramadan approaches, an Audenshaw resident is encouraging others across Tameside to use the holy month as a springboard to quit smoking and improve their health, with support from Be Well Tameside.

Tajamal Hussain Shah, 41, has successfully stopped smoking after a decade-long struggle with tobacco. He first began smoking at the age of 24 while running a shisha café. What started as an occasional habit gradually escalated until he was smoking a full pack of 20 cigarettes a day.

Although he previously managed to quit twice for six-month periods, he relapsed on both occasions.

A routine health check with his GP proved to be the turning point.

“I discovered that my cholesterol levels were high,” Tajamal said. “As a doctor, I’m very aware of the combined risks of high cholesterol and smoking, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. That clinical insight pushed me to seek proper, structured support rather than continue trying to quit on my own.”

Determined to make a lasting change, Tajamal contacted Be Well Tameside and enrolled on its 12-week specialist smoking cessation programme. The service provided structured follow-up appointments every two weeks, along with guidance on nicotine replacement therapy, including vapes.

“The accountability made all the difference,” he explained. “I wasn’t going through withdrawal alone. The team monitored my progress, helped me manage cravings, and gave me the tools to make sure this quit attempt was permanent.”

Since stopping smoking, Tajamal says the health benefits have been “immediate and profound”. His breathing has improved significantly, his energy levels are noticeably higher, and he no longer worries about the lingering smell of smoke on his clothes. While he occasionally uses a vape, he now has many nicotine-free days each week and feels firmly in control.

With Ramadan approaching, Tajamal hopes others in the community will consider following his example. In Tameside, more than half of residents from racially minoritised communities smoke, compared with 13.6 per cent of the borough’s overall population.

“I’d strongly encourage anyone thinking about quitting to take the first step now,” he said. “Smoking has undeniable long-term health implications, but you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Be Well Tameside are incredibly professional and experienced. With their help, what feels like a difficult personal challenge becomes a manageable, guided process.”

Be Well Tameside provides free and confidential advice to help residents quit smoking, offering personalised plans, ongoing support and access to nicotine replacement options.

For anyone planning to stop smoking for Ramadan or simply wanting to improve their health, support is available.

For free, confidential help to quit smoking, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or call 0161 342 5050.