Notts: County Council help nearly seven thousand kick smoking habit

Undated file photo of a woman smoker as women who smoke during pregnancy rob their children of a key protection against heart disease, research has shown. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday June 22, 2011. Babies of smoking mothers undergo changes in the womb that lead them to have lower levels of good cholesterol. See PA story HEALTH Smoking. Photo credit should read: PA Wire

A report has stated that 6,858 have quit since Notts County Council teamed up with local GPs and pharmacies, New Leaf Stop Smoking Service in Nottinghamshire, and the Bassetlaw Stop Smoking Service to help kick the area’s number one health priority.

The free initiative came after it was revealed that 19.4% of Notts people are smokers, though that figure is down from the 23% that was recorded in 2010.

Smoking is also responsible for approximately 1,300 deaths a year in the county and is the main factor in health inequalities in life expectancy.

Smokers can access free expert help to stop smoking including through one-to-one support, group sessions, telephone support, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which is tailored to suit the needs of the individual.

Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board said: “Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but we know that at any one time two out of every three smokers would like to kick the habit.

“It is achievable though and is more likely with the support of professional specialists who know how to guide you through the process. Seven thousand people across the County are the proof you need that it can be done!