NHS bosses will be urging smokers to kick the habit with a campaign in October

Newham health bosses’ campaign to help smokers quit

Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Thursday, September 27, 2012
8:00 AM

There’s no better time to quit amoking than October, say NHS bosses who are launching Stoptober to get them to kick the habit.

During October, smokers in Newham will be encouraged to take part in the first ever mass stop smoking quit attempt– Stoptober.

The NHS Stop Smoking service in Newham supported nationally by many famous faces, organisations and employers are supporting the new campaign in a bid to encourage people to quit.

If you register to stop smoking for Stoptober you will be sent your Stoptober pack, 28-day quit calendar and health and wealth wheel.

You can also expect support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via:

• Stoptober application (available on smartphone)

• Motivational text messages

• Facebook page

As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, smokers who take the 28 day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy.

Longer term, they will cut their risk of heart disease and lung cancer and protect others from their secondhand smoke.

Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in Newham.

Rachel Flowers, joint director of public health in Newham for NHS North East London and the City and Newham, said:

“We know that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree, and Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal”.

Stoptober 2012 kicks off on October 1 and runs for 28 days. Smokers in Newham can sign up for support at most pharmacies and GP surgeries.