Record numbers access stop smoking service as Stoptober approaches

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

Stoptober quitters will receive a full range of support to kick the habit for good. Blackburn with Darwen smokers are also encouraged to get in touch with the local stop smoking service as research shows you are four times more likely to quit with this extra support than stopping on your own.

New stats have revealed that since coming under Council control in April 2013, a record 7500 people have accessed help from the service with 3400 people successfully managing to quit.

The Service offers a range of personalised support to help people stop smoking for good. On top of clinics in pharmacies and GP surgeries the stop smoking service is expanding all the time with trained stop smoking advisers now able to provide support in communities where it is needed most.

Support includes one-to-one consultations, follow-up appointments, clinic times, quit kits and information and signposting support.

As part of Stoptober, the Stop Smoking Service will be setting up stall at Royal Blackburn Hospital on the day campaign launches, October 1. Stop smoking advisers will be on hand to offer advice and provide Stoptober materials and Stop Smoking Sevice information at the front entrance of the hospital from 12-2pm.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is supporting the Public Health England Stoptober campaign again this year.  The national campaign harnesses the talents of some of the country’s best comedians including Bill Bailey, Al Murray, Shappi Khorsandi and Rhod Gilbert who will provide a humorous slant to the campaign’s messages.

Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

We want to help as many people quit as possible. 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 2015 starts on Thursday October 1 and runs for 28 days. For further information contact (01254) 682037 or email: quitsmoking@blackburn.gov.uk

For more information and a list of local stop smoking clinics visit: http://www.refreshbwd.com/service/stop-smoking-service-2