The Smokers’ Helpline (SHL) is a toll free confidential 1-800 # (1-800-363-5864) whereby anyone in Newfoundland & Labrador can call and receive free information, resource materials, advice, support and motivational counselling while working towards being smoke-free or creating a smoke-free environment.
The SHL is a ‘hub’ or ‘clearing-house’ point of entry for all tobacco related questions or concerns as well as requests for resource materials. While the primary purpose of the SHL is to assist individuals in quitting smoking; however, the helpline is available to the entire community. The Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers' Helpline is widely used by both smokers and non-smokers. For instance, people who smoke can call to receive counselling on how to cut back and/or quit, family members can call to receive information on how to support a loved one who is trying to quit, students and teachers can call to get information for school projects and lesson plans, health professionals can call to receive the latest research and resource materials, and the business community can call to learn how to create smoke-free spaces and access workplace cessation programs.
The Helpline then provides mailed resources and “proactive” calls where trained counselors provide scheduled follow-up calls to aid the client in the quitting process.
