Smokers trying to quit the habit could benefit from free support if they sign up to Stoptober.

Stoptober 2014 kicks off on October 1 and runs for 28 days. To prepare for quitting, smokers can visit a Stop Smoking Advisor to find out about all the support and tools available.

Councillor Clive Furness, mayoral adviser for adults and health, said: “Smoking contributes to the four major killers in Newham, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancers and respiratory disease. We want to encourage more people to give up smoking and Stoptober is a fantastic way to quit and offers all the support that smokers may need to take the first step to stopping for good.”

Last year, more than 850 people signed up to Newham’s tailored Stoptober programme. It provides smokers with a range of free support including a new stop smoking pack, a 28-day mobile phone app and text support with daily updates and quitting advice, detailed tools and tips for coping.

Al Murray, ‘Take me Out’ host Paddy McGuinness, former medical doctor turned stand-up comedian Simon Brodkin and Andi Osho are supporting this year’s campaign.

For support in Newham, residents can speak to their local pharmacy, GP, visit newham.gov.uk/stopsmoking or call 020 3373 6630.

Someone who quits smoking for Stoptober, and doesn’t smoke again, could gain an extra seven days of life, every 28 days, for the rest of their life. Along with the health benefits, stopping will save the average smoker more than £150 a month and almost £2,000 a year.