Stub smoking out for Stoptober

BASSETLAW smokers are being encouraged to take part in Stoptober - the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health.

Health bosses say 19 per cent of people in Bassetlaw currently smoke and that evidence shows if people stop smoking for 28 days they are more likely to stay smoke free.

NHS Nottinghamshire and Notts County Council are supporting the campaign in October - offering smokers a step-by-step programme to help them quit for good.

They will be sending out regular tweets throughout the month to give people useful tips and advice at #quittertwitter.

They have set up a web page which will include advice, interesting facts and useful links for support at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/stoptober

Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via a smartphone app, motivational text messages and a Facebook page.

And people across the county who have pledged to quit will write blogs so they can tell others about their experience throughout the month.

John Tomlinson, deputy director of public health at NHS Nottinghamshire, said: “By getting existing smokers to share their advice, concerns, highs and lows when they try to quit, we hope that other smokers will feel that they’re not alone and be encouraged to take up the challenge. “

“This campaign isn’t about telling people what to do – it’s about giving advice and support to those who want to quit. And we know that around 70 per cent of current smokers do want to kick the habit.”

Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1st October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/stoptober

Smokers who want to quit can get in touch with their local stop smoking service through their GP or local pharmacy or by contacting Bassetlaw Stop Smoking Service via [email protected]

or by calling 0800 328 8553.