Stub it out this Stoptober: free support to help smokers break the habit

Smokers across North Lincolnshire are being challenged to give quitting a go for just 28 days this October – with free local support available to help them do it.

People who manage to stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good, and North Lincolnshire’s Healthy Lifestyles team is using Stoptober to encourage people to make an attempt – including those who have tried before.

Free one-to-one help is available from trained stop smoking advisors, alongside a range of aids including vapes, inhalators and stop smoking medication.

People can also get six months’ free access to the Smoke Free app, giving them round-the-clock access to advisors as well as tools to track cravings, improvements to their health and how much money they are saving.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Forget about never smoking again for a moment. Start with 28 days.

“If you smoke, giving up is one of the biggest things you can do for your health – and you don’t have to do it on your own. There is free, practical help available right here in North Lincolnshire to give you a better chance of succeeding.”

The benefits of quitting begin quickly. As the body starts to recover, people can find breathing becomes easier and their senses of taste and smell improve. Longer term, stopping smoking reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory disease.

During October, stop smoking advisors will also be out in communities so people can simply drop by for a conversation.

They will be at Scunthorpe High Street, outside Scunthorpe Central, from 10am to 3pm on 1, 8, 22 and 29 October, and at Barton Market Place, outside the Money Box, from 10am to 3pm on 15 October.

Cllr Christine Patterson, cabinet member for healthy communities, said: “If you have tried to quit before and started smoking again, that doesn’t matter. Lots of people need more than one attempt.

“What matters is having another go – and using the support that gives you the best chance of succeeding.

“You can speak to someone face-to-face, use the app or find the combination of support that works for you. Stoptober gives people a really good reason to say: this October, I’m going to give it 28 days.”

Find free stop smoking support, including access to the Smoke Free app, on the Healthy Lifestyles page on the website.

The post Stub it out this Stoptober: free support to help smokers break the habit appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

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