Smokers across North Yorkshire are being challenged to give the habit up for good this October.
The challenge is part of Stoptober, the country’s biggest mass quit attempt and over three quarters of a million people have taken part since it began. Research shows that stopping smoking for 28 days means you’re five times more likely to stop for good.
“We know that giving up smoking is the best thing people can do to improve their health, but we also know how difficult it is to kick the habit,” saidNorth Yorkshire County Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Public Health and Stronger Communities.
“That’s why we’re promoting this year’s Stoptober. Most people who smoke would like to give up, so the 28-day Stoptober challenge is a real opportunity to kick the habit. Last year, thousands of smokers joined in and are still smokefree. And by not smoking, you are encouraging others, particularly young people, not to start.
“Taking part in the challenge is the first step to feeling healthier. Smoking is still the biggest preventable cause of ill health and early death in North Yorkshire, killing over 1000 people in the county every year, so the County Council funds a free stop-smoking service called Smokefreelife North Yorkshire to support anyone who wants to give up.”
Those who get support through a stop-smoking service to quit are four times more likely to be successful than those who go it alone. Smokefreelife North Yorkshire offers a free, flexible support package to suit the individual. Smokers wanting to stop can attend clinics, drop-ins, receive nicotine replacement therapy or talk to specialist advisors over the phone. Visit www.smokefreelifenorthyorkshire.co.uk, call 0800 2465215 or 01609 663023 or text QUIT to 66777 to find out more.
There is also a mobile clinic called Wellness on Wheels, and throughout October it will be visiting County Council offices across the county, when smokers who want to quit can seek advice. Dates and places are:
- Monday 3 October: White Rose House, Northallerton
- Tuesday 4October: North Yorkshire House, Scarborough
- Wednesday 5 October: County Hall, Northallerton
- Thursday 6 October: Jesmond House, Harrogate
In addition, smokers can search ‘Stoptober’ online to order a free stop-smoking pack. There is a 28-day mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people quitting together through Stoptober social media channels.