Stoptober, the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England is encouraging smokers in Sutton to quit for good this October.
A national campaign featuring British comedians including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray, Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson, Jason Bent and Dr Bob) has been used to bring a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters through this difficult and daunting challenge.
The 2013 national campaign saw 900 Sutton residents sign up via the Stoptober website.
Sutton residents who wish to quit during the 2014 challenge are encouraged to contact LiveWell Sutton, the free NHS Stop Smoking service run throughout the borough; LiveWell can offer free NHS support and advice based on NICE guidance.
Research shows that two-thirds of smokers say they want to quit[1] but only four in ten have tried to quit over the past 12 months[2]. There is no doubt that quitting is tough, but it is known that people who quit do feel better in time.
Sutton Council Leader Ruth Dombey said:
“We know it won’t be easy but we want to do everything we can to help people take this important step towards better health. Smokers are four times more likely to quit smoking with NHS support versus going it alone, so they should give themselves the best chance of being successful and speak to the LiveWell team today.”
By signing up to Stoptober people will be supported to be ready to quit on 1st October 2014. The 28-day stop smoking programme will include regular messages of motivation, persuasion and distraction as well as weekly one-to-one sessions with a trained NHS Stop Smoking Advisor.