Health and wellbeing
Stoptober campaign to give smokers the confidence to quit
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Stoptober provides an opportunity for people to learn about the help and support available in Walsall to stop smoking.
The annual Stoptober public health campaign is back this month and Walsall Council is reminding residents about the help that is available and urging smokers in the Borough to stub out the habit.
Stoptober, now in its eleventh year, aims to empower people to give up smoking during the month of October.
Evidence shows people are five times more likely to give up for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke free. Getting the right support and believing you can quit is a major factor in successful attempts and residents can access information and support at One You Walsall.
“ This Stoptober we are encouraging smokers across the Borough to join the thousands of others in the country who are looking to give up smoking for good. We want people to know they can quit and we have the information and resources to help them do it.
It’s never too late to quit and stopping smoking brings immediate benefits to health, including for people with an existing smoking-related disease. The good news is that smoking rates are declining but nearly six million adults in England still smoke and smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in the country. “
Local resident Ewoud Nijeboer, a 36-year-old businessman who lives with his family in central Walsall, gave up two years ago. He hopes he will inspire others to give up by sharing his experience of quitting and how it has benefited him. He started smoking when he was 13 years old and smoked a packet of cigarettes a day, mainly due to peer pressure. After a few years, he realised that cigarettes were impacting on his health but when he tried to quit, he found it difficult.
“ Then one day I decided that enough was enough and I haven’t looked back since. Now, I can breathe better, I don’t smell, I have more energy and I have more money. My circulation is better and I don’t have cold hands and feet anymore. I’m really glad I quit smoking and I would encourage others to do the same. It’s the best thing I have ever done. “
Ends
Notes to Editors
- This year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging people to take simple steps to help build their confidence and get the support they need from local and national resources as well as family, friends and colleagues. For more information, visit STOP SMOKING – One You Walsall
- In Walsall, smoking is estimated to kill 381 people every year (Public Health England 2019) and is responsible for half of the difference in life expectancy between the rich and the poor (Marmot 2020.
- The national Stoptober campaign also offers a range of free quitting support tools on their website including the NHS Quit Smoking app, Stoptober Facebook online communities, daily emails and SMS and an online Personal Quit Plan tool that helps people find a combination of support that’s right for them. Visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
