New North East campaign highlights more effective ways to quit smoking than ever this Stoptober
People wishing to give up smoking don’t have to do it alone.
That is the message from agencies to Hartlepool smokers as this month sees the return of national quitting campaign Stoptober.
A new campaign is highlighting how there are more free support services in the region than ever before to help people quit the unhealthy habit.
The North East's tobacco control programme Fresh and health chiefs at Hartlepool Borough Council are encouraging even more people to try to give up.
Councillor Christine Wiley, chair of the council’s Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: "Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but I know it isn’t always easy, I did it myself.
“The important message this Stoptober is that you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to rely on willpower alone, as I did.
“Here in Hartlepool, there is free, practical and personalised support available to help you find an approach that works for you.
“Whether this is your first attempt to quit or you’ve tried before, please don’t be discouraged. Every attempt is a step towards becoming smoke-free.”
Support available includes free, personalised support from trained advisors who understand the challenges of quitting.
The Smoke Free app lets people build tailored quit plans, track their progress, and see how much money they are saving.
And quitting aids are improving all the time such as nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, gum and lozenges, as well as stop smoking medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Some are free through local stop smoking services.
Fresh director Ailsa Rutter OBE said: “This October is a massive chance for thousands of people to turn their backs on smoking.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried before – it is never too late to stop and gain benefits to your health and finances.
“Getting free and effective support helps you take the stress and cravings out of quitting and helps your quit go a lot further.”
Vaping is said to be less harmful than smoking and helps people manage nicotine cravings without inhaling harmful smoke.
Find local support at www.FreshQuit.co.uk