Smokers in west Cheshire are being urged to take up the challenge and quit for good as part of the national Stoptober campaign.
The 28-day quitting challenge – which is back for its fifth year – saw 1,339 people in the borough sign up to quit smoking for good in 2015.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has welcomed the return of the campaign and is encouraging local smokers to join the thousands of people making a change this October for a healthier and wealthier future.
The campaign has returned with even more free motivational support including the Stoptober app, a daily email service and Facebook Messenger which can provide instant support when the cravings strike.
Cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity for smokers across the borough to quit together, alongside friends, family and hundreds of other people in our area.
“Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health and if you’ve been considering giving up but wasn’t sure how to then give it a try this October with the help of our local stop smoking advisers.
“Smokers are five times more likely to quit if they can go 28 days without cigarettes and the campaign has already made a big impact on our local community, helping to lower smoking rates to 13.1 percent.
“There has never been a better time to stop smoking, with lots of help and support available. It doesn’t matter how many times you have tried before, call specialist stop smoking advisers and take on the challenge this year.”
Local services and pharmacies are available to provide free, expert face-to-face support and guidance. People who quit with the support of a stop smoking service adviser are four times more likely to successfully stop for good.
You can contact your local service by: Telephone: 0800 622 6968; Text: smokefree to 66777; Email: contact@quit51.co.uk.
