LOCAL people are being encouraged to take up free support to stop smoking this month.
Everyone Health Staffordshire is backing the national Stoptober initiative to help smokers kick the habit.
Support on offer includes access to nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum and inhalers, as well as vapes and prescribed stop smoking medications. One-to-one support is also available from trained advisers.
Among those to successfully quit with help from Everyone Health Staffordshire are brother and sister, Andrew Davies and Michelle Balharry.
Andrew said:
"Since quitting smoking, I feel much healthier. I can breathe more easily, have more energy and no longer suffer the constant coughing attacks that used to affect my daily life.
"The support I received was fantastic. My practitioner took the time to understand me and my goals, and I never felt like just another number.
"The programme gave me the help I needed through the hardest stages, and I’d encourage anyone thinking about quitting to take that first step."
While smoking rates have continued to fall in recent years, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death and thousands of people across Staffordshire still smoke.
Cllr Martin Rogerson, cabinet member for health and care at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"With so much promotion around this long-standing national campaign, it’s the perfect time to take that first step towards becoming smoke-free.
"Quitting smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, and the benefits start almost immediately. It isn't always easy, but nobody has to do it alone, there is help and support available, along with nicotine replacement products to help you do it.
"So, take that first step, reach out for help, and let’s make October the month that you quit smoking."
People can find out more about the free support available by visiting the Everyone Health Staffordshire website or texting QUIT to 60777 or calling 0333 005 0095.
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