Stoptober launches as smoking rates locally are on the decline

Data published by Public Health England has shown a steady reduction in smoking rates in Blackburn with Darwen since 2011.

The figures show the number of adults who smoke in Blackburn with Darwen has dropped from 27.1 (29,498) per cent to 15.5 per cent (17,197).

The borough’s 4-week quit rate is also now similar to the North West and England values.

The good news comes as the borough announces its support for the annual mass participation stop smoking campaign, Stoptober, commencing today (Friday, October 1), with a range of activity planned.

For this year’s national Stoptober campaign Public Health England is encouraging people to stop smoking and start doing so much more, from moving better to saving money, and being able to breathe more easily.

Since launching in 2012, Stoptober has driven over 2.3 million quit attempts and is the biggest mass participation quit attempt in the country.

If you’re thinking about stopping, or reducing, smoking this Stoptober Blackburn with Darwen pharmacies can offer support.

Find a list here.

You can also access personalised support, motivation and encouragement to quit from Wellbeing Service Health Trainers.

Call (01254) 682037 or email wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk for more information.

You can also self-refer here.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is also planning a range of activity and signposting support during the month.

Wellbeing and Public Health staff will be carrying out targeted engagement in workplaces and services including Inspire/CGL, Blackburn College, Blackburn Rovers and Audley Neighbourhood Learning Centre to promote Stoptober messaging and signpost to local stop smoking support.

They will also be helping to support a new targeted lung health check programme taking place across the borough.

The programme is aimed at those most at risk of lung cancer. People aged over 55 years old but less than 75 years old that have ever smoked will be invited to come for a free lung check, taking place at Ewood Park.

The checks aim to detect cancer at an early stage with evidence showing that screening people based on their risk of lung cancer saves lives

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:

These stats showing a decline in smokers locally are encouraging and I’m delighted to see many people have been successful in their attempts to quit. Stopping smoking is vitally important to improving health and wellbeing, life expectancy and reducing hospital admissions.

There is a way to go though, smoking still costs the borough millions in terms of health care, productivity, social care and littering of tobacco waste but all progress is welcome.

Throughout our local activity during Stoptober we want people to know there is help and support available locally through pharmacies and our Wellbeing Service that will give them a good chance of starting to feel the health and financial benefits of becoming smoke free.