Smokers encouraged to quit together for Stoptober 2015

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

Blackburn with Darwen Council is supporting the Public Health England campaign in a bid to help local people quit.  This year’s 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.

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. 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.

One man who did just that is Paul Lawrenson, 59, from Darwen. After a nine year absence from smoking he returned to the habit around five years ago, smoking ten a day. Paul decided enough was enough and contacted the Blackburn with Darwen stop smoking service for help five months ago.

Immediately I felt like it was a good move”, he says. “You feel motivated knowing others are in the same boat and don’t feel so alone. I meet regularly with the smoking adviser and have been given a spray which works for me. I think the service is brilliant, ten out of ten.

With the service’s help Paul has been smokefree again for four months. He added:

 I feel very confident and have experienced noticeable benefits – I feel on top of the world. My job involves laying resin driveways so I need as much as energy as possible. I find I don’t get any more tired than the lads in their mid-20s. If it’s in your mind to give up I would definitely recommend seeking out help from the stop smoking service.

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

We want to help as many people like Paul to 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 the Blackburn with Darwen Stop Smoking Service on (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/