Stoptober is back, and we’re calling on England’s smokers to join millions of others who have quit successfully with the campaign.
Over 5 million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 75,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. The good news is, if you quit smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.
Going ‘cold turkey’ is still the most common way that people attempt to give up, but quit attempts are successful more often when using quit smoking support.
That’s why this year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging smokers to quitting this October by exploring the free support available. We want aspiring quitters to know that we have their back and by taking part in Stoptober, they are more likely to succeed.
There’s a wide range of free quitting tools available, including the NHS Quit Smoking app, the Personal Quit Plan, expert support from local stop smoking services and a Smokefree Facebook support group. There’s also lots of information about aids such as nicotine-free medicines, nicotine replacement therapies and vaping, available at Quit smoking – Better Health – NHS
In Halton, our Stop Smoking Service (part of the Health Improvement Team and Public Health) offers 1-1 support with
✅ Free expert advice
✅ Proven tools to beat cravings
✅ Ongoing encouragement to keep you on track
They have already helped thousands of people from Runcorn and Widnes to quit – and some of their stories will feature in our social media posts over the next month.
“I started my journey over 52 weeks ago and I saw an immediate health boom. I am seeing my weight return, my lung health improve, and I can endure exercise a lot more now.”
“Quitting has really improved my life. I feel healthier and save a lot of money. It’s also made me realise I needed to adopt better coping strategies — and my mental health has improved significantly.”
“Well, it’s been 12 months and I would never have thought I could do it. I was a 40+ a day smoker for 40 years — but here I am, a non-smoker!!!! Just take that first step.”
Call the team on 0300 029 0029 or email HIT@halton.gov.uk for more information.
In addition, to mark the start of Stoptober, we will be lighting up the Mersey Gateway on 29 September in Stoptober colours, red and white.
Together, we can do this!
Remember, you can choose to quit at any time of the year, just contact the Halton Stop Smoking Service for more details and start your journey.
Find out more about the Halton Stop Smoking Service:
https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/health/hit/live/quitsmoking.aspx