Tameside residents have been signing up to take part in Stoptober throughout September and the mass 28-day quit smoking challenge has now officially started.
Smokers are being reminded by health professionals that it’s not too late to sign up to Stoptober this year and can sign up anytime throughout October to access the Public Health England free resources and support.
The Tameside stop smoking service is also available to support quitters throughout the 28-day quit attempt and throughout the year. Research shows smokers are four times more likely to quit with the help of a trained NHS advisor - contact 0161 366 2000 for more information.
Everyone joining Stoptober can choose from a range of tools to suit them, including a new stop smoking pack, a 28-day mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people through social media.
Alongside the support on offer; top British comedians including the North West’s Paddy McGuinness will be encouraging smokers throughout October by bringing a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters.
Cllr Lynn Travis, Executive Member for Health and Neighbourhoods said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity for smokers across the borough to quit together alongside friends, family and thousands of other people in our area. In Tameside, one in four adults currently smoke and I hope that the campaign will give them the encouragement and support they need to succeed in their 28-day quit attempt.
“Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health and with the help of our local stop smoking service, the campaigns support, advice and humour I’m sure this year will be very successful. I encourage every smoker in Tameside to quit for Stoptober 2014 and support those quitting around them throughout their 28-day challenge.
“After a successful Stoptober 2013, which saw 1,102 people in Tameside sign up to quit, it would be great to see even more people pledging to quit this year. If you quit smoking for 28 days then you are five times more likely to quit for good, improving your health and putting more money into your pocket. If you missed the start date, don’t worry – you can quit anytime during October and receive the same excellent support to quit.”
Angela Hardman, Director of Public Health for Tameside, said: “Quitting smoking is one of the most significant health improvements a person can make. Evidence shows that 25% of Tameside adults smoke. We know that many of these smokers want to give up and we recognise that quitting can be extremely hard. Stoptober provides the perfect opportunity for employers and staff to work together towards quitting smoking for good. The range of free support available and collective efforts of colleagues and friends will hopefully help smokers complete the 28 day challenge.”
For more information search ‘Stoptober’ online and sign up at https://stoptober.smokefree.nh