FOR the many people struggling with their New Year's resolutions, whether giving up smoking or eating more healthily, help is at hand on a High Street near you.

The National Pharmaceutical Association started 2004 with a campaign to show how pharmacists are at the frontline of healthy living and are more than just places to pick up prescriptions after a visit to the doctor.

Beverley Howarth, of Badham's on Port Street, has nearly 20 years of experience behind the chemist's counter and knows as well as anyone how much more pharmacies have to offer.

"For example, in many cases, such as illnesses like coughs and colds, it is better if people come to us first instead of clogging up doctors' surgeries," she said. "We can also give general health advice on stopping smoking, pregnancy testing, diabetes testing, blood pressure testing and advice on weight and diet.

"In a sense we are an unused resource - people don't know what help and advice they can get from us and go straight to the doctor instead. But it is always a good first stop to come in and have a word with us to see how we can help.

"We are here to talk about any concerns people may have, we even have a separate room where people can chat to us in confidence. If we haven't got the answers we always know where they can be found - whether at the doctor's or on a helpline or anywhere else."

Mrs Howarth said that one of the big drives this year would be helping people give up smoking. "We're not just here to sell the smoking cessation products. People can come in and tell us about their smoking habits and how they want to give up and we will help them choose the best products for them.

"In my view smoking is the thing that really needs addressing - it causes so many problems and not just for the people who smoke."

She added that the rise in the number of people suffering with diabetes was also being addressed by pharmacies with free testing for the condition as well as for high blood pressure.

"There are some things we cannot help with," said Beverley. "But we always know where help is available. This job is all about meeting people and helping them with their problems - I really enjoy it, I wouldn't have been doing it for nearly 20 years otherwise."

John D'Arcy, chief executive of the National Pharmaceutical Association, said that a visit to the pharmacy was always a good place to begin putting New Year's resolutions into practice. "Pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge, answering over a million questions a day from the public, not just on medicines but on health as well as disease prevention.

"Their knowledge is complemented by the fact that they are local and will be aware of any relevant groups or programmes in your area which could help you stick to your New Year's resolution - whether it is going on a diet, starting an exercise routine or giving up smoking."