SMOKERS in Cumbria are being urged to kick the habit for good with help from the Stoptober campaign – a 28-day mass quit attempt starting on October 1.

This year people are being encouraged to sign up with their friends, family and colleagues, as evidence shows that this type of ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of kicking the habit.
 
Two thirds of smokers (67 per cent) are more likely to quit when their partner stops smoking, and a third more likely to quit when a close friend (36 per cent) or someone they work with (34 per cent) stops. Data also shows that people are much more likely (61 per cent) to smoke if their partner or a close friend smokes – showing the powerful influence that people’s social networks have on their own smoking behaviour. 
 

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And also this year, Stoptober is providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians – Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi. Messages of support and encouragement will be sent to quitters’ phones and emails throughout Stoptober. 
 
Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days; this year, it is expected the campaign will welcome the millionth sign up. 
 
This year’s campaign is aiming to build on the success of Stoptober in 2014 which saw more than 1,800 people in Cumbria signing up to quit. 
 
Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: "It's vital for us to encourage as many people as possible in Cumbria to quit. The short and long term benefits cannot be underestimated. 
 
"If people sign up on October 1 and manage to stay smoke free for 28 days, they are five times more likely to stop smoking for good.
 
"This year, Stoptober coincides with new laws to protect children from second-hand smoke in cars. The message is that with one less place to smoke, there’s one more reason to quit."
 
Cllr Ian Stewart, the county council’s Cabinet member for Public Health, said: “We hope as many smokers as possible will take this crucial step towards boosting their health, by signing up for the Stoptober campaign.
 
"Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in Cumbria each year, and I’d urge smokers across the county to sign up and achieve something special for you and your loved ones. 
 
"Well done to everyone who is taking part in Stoptober this year, live long and prosper."
 
To access local stop smoking services call Cumbia’s Stop Smoking helpline on 03000 13 3000 or visit your local pharmacist.
To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt, search Stoptober online or visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.