Smokers across the country are being asked to join in with some of the country’s top comedians for this year’s 28-day Stoptober challenge, the annual quitting event from Public Health England, which is backed by Smoke Free Newcastle. In the last two years 22,000 people in the North East have signed up to make a quit attempt and it is hoped many more will do so this year.
Smoking is no laughing matter and neither is quitting. Two-thirds of smokers say they want to quit but only four in ten told a recent survey that they have tried in the last year. There is no doubt that quitting can be tough, but it is known that people who quit do feel better in time.3
Top British comedians including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray, Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson, Jason Bent and Dr Bob) and Andi Osho are bringing a touch of the British sense of humour to this year’s campaign to help quitters through the challenge.
Quitting and avoiding smoking are among the very best things people can do to protect and improve their health and the health of those around them. Evidence shows someone quitting who goes 28 days without a cigarette is five times more likely to stay permanently stopped.
There is plenty of support available to help those wanting to make an attempt this year including a pack, 28-day mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping. To register go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober/
Smokers in Newcastle can also receive free, friendly one-to-one support to quit smoking from the NHS Stop Smoking Service. They can be contacted on 0191 229 2911. If you want to quit, you’re up to four times more likely to succeed with local NHS Stop Smoking Service support.
The national Stoptober roadshow will be visiting Northumberland Street, Newcastle on Friday 12 September when Stop Smoking Advisors from the Service will be handing out advice and support to help people wanting to quit.
