This Stoptober, clear the air with friends
Thursday, 23 September 2021
We're is encouraging residents to support their family, friends, and colleagues this Stoptober, to help them to ditch their cigarettes for 28 days (starting 1 October).
This is so they can experience the physical and mental health benefits that quitting smoking brings.
Smoking remains one of the nation’s leading causes of preventable illness and death in the UK, killing on average 78,000 people each year.
The campaign to encourage people to support others during Stoptober comes following a recent survey of the Stop Smoking Service's users (in Central Bedfordshire, Bedford and Milton Keynes). It found that residents:
- said the ‘human element’ in quitting is core and that the role of emotional support from others is very important
- felt the positive effect of seeing others, like them, quitting successfully
- were worried about their lack of willpower around friends and family who smoke
Someone who quits smoking for the 28 days of Stoptober is five times more likely to stay smoke-free for good. They are three times more likely to succeed in their goals with behavioural support and medication from a specialist. Combining professional help with support from family and friends is a huge bonus. Quitting can improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Those who do quit for a year halve their risk of a heart attack, compared to a smoker.
During Stoptober, stop smoking clinics are running to allow as many residents as possible to receive support to stop smoking. To book an appointment please call free on 0800 013 0553 or visit the Stop Smoking Service's website.
Councillor Tracey Stock, our Executive Member for Wellbeing and Communities said:
Getting involved with Stoptober is a great first step to a healthier life. With a supportive network of friends and family, combined with the use of specialist services available, such as our free Stop Smoking Service, people are much more likely to quit and stay smoke free.
We would encourage anyone who is thinking of quitting – or those who are looking to help others in their community stop smoking – to give Stoptober a go and share the Stop Smoking team’s details. You don’t need a referral to access the service – anyone looking to stop smoking can get in touch.
A recent user, who has been using the Stop Smoking Service, said:
I didn’t believe that I could stop – I’ve been smoking for 25 years. With the help of the clinic and my support worker this was achievable. She was just a text away and really encouraged me. This is the first time in my life I’ve stopped on my own terms. I’m so proud of myself.