Smokers able to get cellphone help to quit

Cellphone users who want to stop smoking can register with the Quit Group to receive free help on their phone.

People can register for 26 weeks of state-financed help on the website www.txt2quit.org.nz or by calling the Quitline on 0800 778 778.

If participants "crave" a smoke or have a "slip-up" or "relapse", they can text these words to the automated support programme and will receive specific messages for coping with those problems.