Many of us will have made – and possibly already broken – New Year's resolutions to lose weight, get fit, stop smoking, be more organised.
According to the results of a year-long research study of 3,000 people, led by Professor Richard Wiseman at the University of Hertfordshire, only one in ten of us will succeed.

But don't lose heart, help is at hand.

Derbyshire Times reporter Jennifer Ivers picked up some top tips for achieving New Year's resolutions from the county's leading health experts, and found out what practical support is available locally.

Shedding pounds and quitting smoking are two of the most common resolutions people make in January – but many struggle to stick to the new regime.

According to health experts in Derbyshire our chances of achieving these goals are greatly increased if we seek professional support, and there is plenty available across the county.

* Free weight loss courses are being offered by the Primary Care Trust at venues across north Derbyshire, High Peak and Dales, starting on various dates between January and March.

There is a programme for men, WaistWatchers, and Change for Life for women.

Dean Wallace, physical activity and health programme manager for Derbyshire PCT, said they are not diet and weigh-in courses, adding: "They aim to help and support people to make small changes, which can be maintained for the rest of their lives. We explore the reality about dieting and what it does to your body and learn that being more active can be fun as well as improving your health."

The courses, aimed at all ages, encourage participants to share information on topics such as dieting myths and the fat content of foods.

Sean Maguire (39), from Brimington, who attended WaistWatchers in Chesterfield last year said: "I was really depressed and low on self-esteem but with support and advice from the programme I lost three stone and seven pounds in seven months.

"It was great to come to the courses and share experiences and information rather than being told what to do."

For more details about the courses phone (01246) 231255.

* Help is also at hand for those wanting to stub out the cigarettes for good. The PCT's Stop Smoking Service is rolling out its 'Life is Better' campaign, which attracted the support of Spireites' footballers at the launch in Chesterfield town centre on Monday.

Dr David Black, the PCT's director of public health said: "There is a lot of information out there about how smoking harms your body but we want to tell people how life is better once you have stopped."

Information will be plastered across the bus network and a mail campaign is planned, targeted at those who have previously signed up for support quitting but lit up again.

A new text service has been set up for those wanting to kick the habit but who do not feel confident enough to phone for help.

For more information about your local Stop Smoking Service call 0800 085 22 99, text BETTER4 to 81025 or visit www.lifeisbetter.info.