STOPTOBER is back for its fifth year after a successful 2015 which saw over 1100 Tameside people sign up to quit smoking for good.
The 28-day quitting challenge has made a big impact on the local community already, helping to lower smoking rates to 21.7% in the borough.
Tameside Council has welcomed the return of the campaign and is encouraging local smokers to join the thousands of people making a change this October for a healthier and wealthier future. Smokers are five times more likely to quit if they can go 28 days without cigarettes
This year, there is even more free motivational support available including the Stoptober app, a daily email service and Facebook Messenger - which can provide instant support when cravings strike.
Local services and pharmacies are also on hand to provide free, expert face-to-face support and guidance. People who quit with the support of a stop smoking service adviser are four times more likely to successfully stop for good. You can contact Be Well Tameside for support on 0161 716 2000.
Tameside Council Executive Member Cllr Ged Cooney, responsible for health, said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity for smokers across to quit together alongside friends, family and thousands of other people in our area.
“As an ex smoker myself, I can say from personal experience that the benefits are many when you stop. It’s not easy - but the support that’s available really helps. It doesn’t matter how many times you have tried before – you should never give up on trying to stop.”
Andrea Crossfield, Chief Executive of Healthier Futures, which works with partners to break the cycle of addiction and exposure to tobacco in communities said: “I encourage everyone who smokes to take on the Stoptober challenge this year for a healthier and wealthier future for you and your family.
“If you stop smoking for 28 days then you are five times more likely to stop for good, improving your health and putting more money into your pocket. Remember you’re not alone, there are local stop smoking advisers here to support you to quit smoking throughout the year. If you stop with a local adviser you are even more likely to quit for good, so get in contact today for free help and advice. Find your local service at https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree or drop into your local pharmacy for a chat.”
