People across Staffordshire are being encouraged to make October the month they quit smoking, with free support available to help them stop for good.
The support is being offered as part of Stoptober, the national campaign which challenges smokers to quit for 28 days during October. Research shows that people who quit smoking for 28 days are significantly more likely to quit for good.
Everyone Health Staffordshire, working alongside Staffordshire County Council's Public Health team, is offering a range of free stop smoking support. This includes access to nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum and inhalers, as well as vapes and prescribed stop smoking medications, alongside one-to-one support from trained advisers.
People can also download the Staffordshire Health App Finder and get access to Apps to help them quit by visiting Quit Smoking - Staffordshire
Brother and sister, Andrew Davies and Michelle Balharry from Tamworth, both quit together with help from Everyone Health Staffordshire.
Andrew said: “Since quitting smoking, I feel much healthier. I can breathe more easily, have more energy and no longer suffer the constant coughing attacks that used to affect my daily life.
“The support I received was fantastic. My practitioner took the time to understand me and my goals, and I never felt like just another number. The programme gave me the help I needed through the hardest stages, and I’d encourage anyone thinking about quitting to take that first step.”
While smoking rates have continued to fall in recent years, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death and thousands of people across Staffordshire still smoke.
Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council is urging smokers who want to quit to sign up.
Martin said: "With so much promotion around this long-standing national campaign, it’s the perfect time to take that first step towards becoming smoke free.
“Quitting smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, and the benefits start almost immediately. It isn't always easy, but nobody has to do it alone, there is help and support available, along with nicotine replacement products to help you do it.
“So, take that first step, reach out for help, and let’s make October the month that you quit smoking!”
People can find out more about the free support available by visiting the Everyone Health Staffordshire website by texting QUIT to 60777 or calling 0333 005 0095.
