Eleven hundred smokers in Tameside took the first steps towards kicking their habit during the UK’s annual mass quit attempt – Stoptober.
1,191 of the estimated 44,323 smokers in the borough signed up to stop smoking for 28 days during the Stoptober challenge month. Many also received support from the borough’s Stop Smoking Service, provided by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
The campaign was co-ordinated by the Tameside Tobacco Alliance. Gideon Smith, consultant in public health at Tameside Council, and chair of the alliance, said it was encouraging to see such a good uptake for the campaign.
“We’re thrilled so many people have taken this opportunity to join the Stoptober pledge, seek help and drastically improve their chances of quitting for good.
“I’d encourage anyone who didn’t join Stoptober, or who needs further support, to get in touch with our local Stop Smoking service on 0161 716 2000 and work towards a smoke-free Christmas and new year.”
Cllr Lynn Travis, Tameside Council's executive member for health and neighbourhoods, said “Nearly one in four adults in Tameside smokes which is higher than the national average. One in two smokers dies of a smoking-related disease and Tameside has one of the highest rates of smoking attributable deaths in the country so it’s great to see more than 1,100 residents sign up to Stoptober and take a really positive step towards being smoke free.”
Tameside’s Stop Smoking team provides support and advice all year round.
