This Stoptober (1-31 October), smokers in the Black Country are being encouraged to quit smoking.
Now in its 11th year, Stoptober is organised by the Department of Health and Social Care and aims to empower people to give up smoking during the month of October.
This year’s theme is ‘you’ve got what it takes to quit this Stoptober’ and is dedicated to encouraging people to take simple steps to help build their confidence and get the support they need to stop smoking for good.
Kam Ahmed, local GP and board member of the NHS Integrated Care Board, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your own health and the health of people around you.
“As well as reducing the risk of serious disease, it can make you feel so much better, give you more energy and money, and help you to breathe more easily.
“We know that quitting smoking isn’t easy but with the right help and support it can be done. In fact, research shows that if you make it 28 days smoke-free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.
“It’s never too late to start and what better time to quit your smoking habit than by joining thousands of others this Stoptober.”
Stoptober offers a range of free quitting support including Facebook online communities, daily emails and text messages, and a free personal quit plan tool.
People are also encouraged to download the free NHS Quit Smoking app this Stoptober. The app, which can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play, offers daily support, and allows people to track their progress and see how much money they’re saving.
For more information on proven quitting methods and stop smoking aids, as well as expert support from local Stop Smoking Services, simply search ‘Stoptober’ online or visit the NHS website here.
