Blackburn Rovers and the Council team up to encourage local smokers to ‘kick the habit’

Blackburn Rovers and Blackburn with Darwen Council are encouraging local smokers to ‘kick the habit’ for good during Stoptober.

During October, smokers in Blackburn with Darwen are being encouraged to quit together as this year’s Stoptober challenge gets under way.

The Council and Rovers have supported the Public Health England campaign in a bid to help local people quit.  This year’s campaign also harnesses the talents of some of the country’s best comedians including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray, Andi Osho and Simon Brodkin who will provide a humorous slant to the campaign’s messages.

Smoking is no laughing matter though and neither is quitting. Stoptober quitters will receive a full range of support to kick the habit for good. Local smokers are also encouraged to get in touch with the Blackburn with Darwen stop smoking service, as research shows you are four times more likely to quit with this extra support than stopping on your own.

One ex-smoker who did just that is Miya Badat, of Burnel Drive Blackburn. The local taxi driver had been a smoker for over 42 years when he accessed the stop smoking clinic at his GP surgery on Primrose Bank.

With  support from the service manager Mohammed Sidat, Mr Badat managed to quit and is delighted with his achievement.

He said: “When I started this course, I did not think that the treatment would work. I am amazed it has and my work colleagues are shocked and my family is over the moon.

“I would advise anyone giving up smoking during Stoptober not to give up. Try and you will succeed with the right support and treatment.”

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We want to help as many people as possible like Miya in Blackburn with Darwen to quit. Stoptober is a great chance to get help to break away from this addiction and start to feel the health and financial benefits of becoming smokefree.”

Stoptober 2014 runs until October 28. For further information contact the Blackburn with Darwen Stop Smoking Service on (01254) 587999 or email: quitsmoking@blackburn.gov.uk  T: @BwDStopSmoking or search BwD Stop Smoking on Facebook.

For a list of local stop smoking clinics visit the re:fresh site 

To see the national advert featuring the Stoptober comedians watch the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPaBiQdBFB4