Smokers in Nottingham are being encouraged to take the first steps in quitting this month as part of this year’s Stoptober campaign – Stub it!
Stoptober is a national campaign which runs each year in October and targets people who would like to stop smoking and provides them with the help and support to do it.
Smoking is the greatest cause of ill-health and death in Nottingham. Reducing the numbers of people who smoke in the city will improve overall health, support the reduction in poverty, give babies and children a better start in life and reduce smoking related health and social care costs.
More than 20% of adults in Nottingham smoke, compared to 13.9% nationally. It is estimated that each year smoking costs the city £137million*. Evidence shows that if a smoker can quit for 28 days, then they are five times more likely to quit for good.
During the month long Stoptober campaign, Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham City Place Based Partnership are urging Nottingham residents, who want to stop smoking, to contact Stub It!
Stub It! is a 12-week programme, and those who access the service are offered a series of appointments with a specially trained Stop Smoking Advisor or Pharmacists. The advisor/pharmacist will offer a variety of support such as behavioural techniques and prescribing nicotine replacement therapy, in a caring and non-judgemental manor.
Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “There are a number of reasons why smokers may decide they want to quit, and we understand how daunting it can be to give up tobacco.
“Stoptober is a useful time of year to remember the damage smoking causes and the huge impact it has on the health and wellbeing of Nottingham’s residents. Stopping smoking not only improves physical health but is proven to also boost your mental health and wellbeing. Quitting can improve mood, help relieve stress, anxiety and depression, and there are positive financial benefits too.”.
“If you live in Nottingham, smoke and want to or are thinking of quitting, support is available through StubIt!. This stop smoking service is there to help individuals take that initial step towards living a smoke-free life.”
Nottingham City residents can access the service and refer themselves online at www.ncgpa.org.uk/stub-it