NZ Quit Smoking Game Launches on World Smokefree Day

New Zealanders wanting to quit smoking can now use a free web and mobile application called Goalpost.

Designed as a 12-week game, Goalpost harnesses the power of social media connecting people who want to quit, with supporters and friends who help keep them on track with tasks, challenges and rewards.

People who sign up to Goalpost will be able to invite friends and family to join support them, as well as connecting with others trying to quit.

Goalpost founder Siobhan Bulfin says the aim is to get New Zealand smokers quitting and supporting each other through social technology and game play.

“Research shows that people are much more likely to quit smoking if they have the support of their family, co-workers and friends” says Siobhan.

“People connect on-line every day about the things that matter to them and we know that most smokers want to stop.”

Based on the psychology behind behaviour change, Goalpost performs mini-interventions getting people to: identify their triggers; making it harder for them to smoke and increasing their motivation to stop smoking.

Siobhan says a key element of Goalpost is that it’s fun. Game elements include challenges players can set each other, status and rewards and leader boards showing who’s ahead in the game.

Goalpost has partnered with Quitline and the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) providing people access to professional help that will greatly increase their chances of beating the addiction for good.

To sign up to Goalpost and join other Kiwis in their quit attempt or to support someone who wants to quit, simply go to http://www.goalpost.it

Goalpost can be accessed via desktop or mobile.