Give 'Stoptober' a try says NHS Sussex
Support for smokers wanting to quit during October
NHS Sussex are encouraging all smokers in Sussex to join in with the nation’s biggest quit attempt beginning on October 1st by providing them with the support and information they need to stub out the habit this Stoptober.
Despite smoking rates declining, there are nearly 6 million adults in England who still smoke. Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England.
As well as the single best thing for health, research shows quitting can save a 10-day-smoker around £135 a month but can also improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
Stoptober – now in its 11th year – aims to empower people to give up smoking during October, as evidence shows people are 5 times more likely to quit for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke free.
This year’s campaign will encourage people to take simple steps to help build their confidence and get the support they need from family and friends, as well as professional help, to stop smoking for good.
NHS Sussex is amongst the many organisations supporting the campaign in a bid to get people to quit and during October the SCT stop smoking team will be available at key locations offering advice and support.
A spokesperson for NHS Sussex said:
“Our stop smoking service offers one to one and group treatment plans, regular support and medication which means that a smoker is four times more likely to succeed in their quit attempt with our help."
“Skilled, face-to-face individual smoking cessation support with pharmacotherapy, such as nicotine replacement therapy, boosts quits rates by 50-100%, far more effective than individuals attempting to quit unassisted.”
Anyone signing up to Stoptober will receive support such as:
• Stoptober pack full of information and resources to help you quit
• A 28-day mobile phone app and a text message service that both provide motivational pick-me-ups
• Detailed tools and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people going through the same thing via social media.
You can get more information and support here: nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking