Smokers across the country are being urged to sign up to Stoptober, the country’s 28-day mass quit attempt from Public Health England (PHE), and receive support and encouragement every step of the way from some of the nation’s top comedians.
Research shows smokers are 67% more likely to quit if their partner also stops smoking, and 36% more likely to quit if a friend stops. This year smokers are encouraged to sign up with friends, family and colleagues, as evidence reveals this type of ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of successfully stopping.
Stoptober will be providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi. Messages of support and encouragement will be sent straight to quitters’ phones and emails throughout October.
Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days. This year, it is expected the campaign will welcome the millionth sign-up. By stopping smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stop for good.
Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, Wokingham Borough Council executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "Smoking continues to be the biggest cause of preventable deaths with 80,000 people in England dying because of smoking. Stopping smoking is the best thing a smoker can do to improve their health and reduce their chances of developing long-term conditions."
SmokeFreeBerkshire, will be taking its roadshow to Woodley Town Centre on Friday October 2 and Wokingham Town Centre on Saturday October 3 to encourage local people to sign up to the 28-day challenge.
There will be a range of entertainment with stop-smoking advisors on hand to offer advice to quit. It can also offer a free 12-week programme, including free nicotine replacement therapy and support from professional stop-smoking advisors.
Anyone who can’t make it to one of the roadshows can get still get free support to quit smoking by contacting a local stop smoking advisor on 0800 622 6360 or text QUIT to 66777.
To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt, search Stoptober online or visit: www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.
