Solihull Stop Smoking Service is throwing its weight behind this year’s Stoptober campaign, which saw 160,000 people complete the challenge last year, as new research shows smokers could add months or years to their lives if they quit.
With 13 per cent of adults in Solihull still smoking, the Solihull Stop Smoking Service will support the national 28-day campaign by offering friendly advice and support to those wishing to sign-up to Stoptober. In the last year, the community service has helped 1,251 people successfully quit.
Public Health England has said that someone who quits for October and does not start again could gain an extra seven days of life every 28 days. Those who stop for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
Sarah Stables, manager at Solihull Stop Smoking Service, said: “Stopping smoking is the single most effective step a smoker can take to improve their health. In the last year we have helped 1,251 people quit smoking in the Solihull area, and Stoptober provides a great opportunity to motivate even more people to kick the habit.
“Our services are available to anyone living in Solihull or registered with a Solihull GP. We take the time to understand each person’s individual needs and help them establish clearly defined steps that will help them quit smoking for good.”
Smoking remains the nation’s biggest killer, with half of long-term smokers dying prematurely from a smoking-related disease. Solihull Stop Smoking Service is offering a range of support aids to those wishing to quit smoking, including a new stop smoking pack, mobile phone app, text support and stop smoking sessions. Those who sign-up to the campaign will also have the encouragement and support from thousands of people helping each other quit together through Stoptober social media.
Along with the health benefits, quitting saves the average smoker more than £150 a month and almost £2,000 a year.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England’s director of health and wellbeing, commented: “Campaigns such as Stoptober, along with the support provided by local stop smoking services, play a huge role in helping people to stop. While smoking prevalence across the country as a whole is falling steadily, it remains high in some parts and is still the biggest cause of premature death, with more than 80,000 deaths in England every year.
“We want every smoker to consider making a quit attempt this October and join the thousands of people who are feeling the benefits from stopping smoking last year.”
Chief medical officer, Professor Sally Davies, adds: “This is the single biggest cause of premature death, taking more than 100,000 lives in the UK and costing the NHS up to £2.7bn each year.
“Life is precious and you can gain up to seven days for every 28 you remain smoke-free. Taking part in the challenge is the first step to a longer and healthier life. Have a go, by stopping with Stoptober.”
For more information, contact Solihull Stop Smoking Service on 0800 015 8512 or email bhs-tr.solihullstopsmoking@nhs.net.
