17 April 2026

From gaining more energy to saving money and improving family life, local residents across Hillingdon are proving that quitting smoking can change everything.

With support from CNWL Smoke-Free Hillingdon Service and rewards through the BetterPoints app, these residents have taken life-changing steps towards a healthier future.

Rouslan’s storyRouslan Original.jpg

Rouslan, a resident of Hillingdon, had reached a turning point. After years of smoking, he began to feel the toll it was taking - not just on his health, but on his energy, focus and overall quality of life. 

Rouslan, a resident of Hillingdon, had reached a turning point. After years of smoking, he began to feel the toll it was taking — not just on his health, but on his energy, focus and overall quality of life.

“I got motivated because I needed my energy and power back.”

Determined to take control, Rouslan searched online for support and discovered help was available through his GP practice, connecting him with the Smoke-Free Hillingdon team.

With guidance and encouragement, he began rebuilding healthier habits. A key part of his success came through the BetterPoints app, which rewarded him for making positive lifestyle changes.

“The BetterPoints app has really helped me to start walking and cycling more. Also, the rewards system was helpful indeed.”

What started as small steps soon became something much bigger. Rouslan successfully gave up smoking and quickly noticed the benefits.

“My life changed. I feel more energetic and willing to live my life. I sense less brain fog and can concentrate on things better now.”

Today, Rouslan feels stronger, clearer and more in control than he has in years.

“Yes, definitely, I would suggest to someone to stop smoking for more energy and power in one’s life.”

Hayley’s story

Hayley had smoked for so long that life without cigarettes felt unfamiliar.

She said: "Hayley Hillingdon Original.jpgI’ve been a smoker for so long, I honestly don’t remember a time when I wasn’t. I grew up in a family of smokers, so it always felt normal.”

Although she had tried to quit many times using patches, clinics and other methods, nothing seemed to last.

 

After more than a decade of believing she couldn’t have children, Hayley became a mum in 2024. When she later became pregnant again, everything changed.

“I knew this was it. I had to quit for good. Not just for me, but for my children.”

She wanted to break the cycle and create a healthier future for her family.

“I’d already overcome so much in my life, including addiction and homelessness, and I realised if I could do that, I could do this too.”

The Smoke-Free Hillingdon rewards programme gave her the extra motivation she had always needed.

“The BetterPoints app helped me set realistic goals and rewarded me for every small step.”

As she progressed, Hayley noticed major health improvements.

“I started walking more, enjoying the fresh air, and I could actually feel my lungs getting stronger. My sense of smell and taste are back too, and it feels amazing. I've redeemed my points for Asda vouchers to help towards my weekly shopping bills.”

Inese’s storyInese - smoke free star Hillingdon thumbnail

Inese decided it was time to stop smoking for both her health and her finances. She said: “My motivation to stop smoking was for my health and to save money.”

She found quitting alone difficult, but with support from her local smoke-free advisor, Lavina, and BetterPoints rewards, she succeeded.

“I found I couldn’t quit by myself, but with the support of my local smoke-free advisor, Lavina, and the BetterPoints rewards to help motivate me, I did it.”

Now smoke-free, she is encouraging others to seek support.

“I’m so thankful for BetterPoints for helping me to stop smoking. I am so glad that I came on the Smoke-Free Hillingdon programme.”

Isaura’s storyIsaura’s smoke-free hillingdon.png

Isaura from Hayes recently quit smoking after signing up to our CNWL Hillingdon Smoke-Free support service.

Along the way, she improved her health and earned £50 in BetterPoints rewards, which she redeemed as Tesco e-vouchers to help with weekly shopping. 

“Quitting smoking was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm proud to say I've been smoke-free for a month now.”

She credits local support and rewards for helping her stay motivated.

“A big part of my success is thanks to the Smoke-Free Hillingdon support sessions and BetterPoints. They really helped keep me motivated.”

The results have been life-changing.

“It feels amazing to be free from smoking. I used to smoke a lot, but now I don’t smoke at all.”

Her message to others is simple:

“If you're thinking about quitting, I highly recommend getting in touch and checking out the BetterPoints app. They’re there to help you every step of the way.”

Ready to quit Smoking?

CNWL's Hillingdon Stop Smoking Service offers free local support to help residents stop smoking and improve their health.

Take the first step today. Find out more.