South Lakeland smokers urged to take part in mass quit attempt (From The Westmorland Gazette)
When news happens, text KENEWS and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
South Lakeland smokers urged to take part in mass quit attempt
3:30pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News
HEALTH experts in Cumbria are urging local smokers to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober.
The new campaign, which runs throughout October, offers smokers a free preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth wheel. Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via a Stoptober app, motivational text message and a Facebook page.
Cumbria has an estimated 87,900 smokers costing the area approximately £137.2m every year.
Prof John Ashton, Director of Public Health for Cumbria said “We want to help as many people as possible in Cumbria to become smokefree. There is a wide arrange of support available.
“For example our local stop smoking services are doing a great job, and last year in Cumbria 3,289 people successfully quit with their help. With the extra support Stoptober provides, this is a great opportunity for smokers to notice the benefits and hopefully become ex-smokers for good.”
Stoptober 2012 starts on Monday October 1 and runs for 28 days. For more information, to sign up and register for your quit kit visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober or call 01900 324 222 to be put through to your local stop smoking service.
