Region’s smokers are urged to quit

Mar 11 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

ONE in five of smokers in the North East have cut down since the introduction of smoke-free legislation and millions more plan to quit, new research suggests.

The study also shows 19% of smokers across the region plan to stop tomorrow on No Smoking Day, with the ban proving a key factor in triggering quit attempts.

Conducted by YouGov to mark the 25th annual No Smoking Day event, the research indicates over two-and-a-quarter million smokers will take part across the UK, making it the biggest No Smoking Day for years. This year’s campaign, The Great No Smoking Day Challenge, sees events taking place across the country, with local stop smoking services, employers, GPs and others providing help, support and advice to those that are ready to stop.

GMTV’s resident doctor Hilary Jones said: “Quitting can be the single most beneficial step a smoker can take to improve their health.

“It’s a habit that kills around half of all long term smokers, but the good news is that quitting starts to reverse the damage almost immediately.” No Smoking Day chief executive Dan Tickle said: “If you’re ready to quit, there’s never been a better time.

“Sign up for the Challenge and you can raise money to support your favourite charity while you quit – and we’ll send you free supportive text or email messages.

“But don’t forget the free local help that’s available. Get help from your stop smoking service and you’re up to four times more likely to succeed.”

Quitters are four times more likely to be successful in stopping smoking with nicotine replacement therapy.

Ailsa Rutter, director of Fresh, Smoke Free North East, said: “We know that more than 70% of smokers in the North East want to quit and No Smoking Day is a great opportunity to give it a go.

“By taking part in the Great No Smoking Day Challenge, quitters can help more people to benefit by raising money for charity,” added Ailsa.

“We’re expecting more people than ever to make use of the region’s excellent NHS Stop Smoking Services, to make 2008 the year they quit.”

To sign up to take The Great No Smoking Day Challenge, or to find your nearest stop smoking service, visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk