SMOKERS in Redcar and Cleveland are being given one more reason to quit as new laws come into force yesterday, making it illegal for anyone to smoke in vehicles with children present.
The new law is designed to help protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke, which comes just in time for those trying to kick their habit for Stoptober – the nation’s biggest quit attempt.
Public Health England and Fresh are urging smokers from the area to sign up to Stoptober to receive support and encouragement every step of the way.
Over three quarters of a million people have already taken part in Stoptober since it began and research shows that stopping smoking for 28 days means you are five times more likely to stop for good.
By signing up to Stoptober, smokers can receive a range of free and proven support including packs, apps and emails to help them quit for 28 days and beyond.
Cllr Lynn Pallister, cabinet member for health and housing at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
“Every time a child breathes in second-hand smoke, they breathe in thousands of chemicals, which put them at risk of serious conditions including meningitis, respiratory infections, as well as cancer and heart disease.
“This latest legislation will hopefully give smokers that one final push to quit altogether.”
For anyone who wants to kick their smoking habit, there is support available at Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland NHS Stop Smoking Service.
To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt and the thousands of people all quitting together, search Stoptober online or visit http://smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober