Stoptober challenge for smokers in South West Essex
National campaign calls for all smokers across South West Essex to join a 28-day quitting challenge.
During October, smokers in South West Essex are being encouraged to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health and supported by Stop Smoking staff at South West Essex Community Services – Stoptober.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death across South West Essex and each year it accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK. One in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking disease.
Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree. Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.
“If you go 28 days without a cigarette you are 5 times more likely to give up for good” – NHS / Stoptober
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koE2fJ4V41U&feature=youtu.be
Many famous faces, organisations, employers and the stop smoking staff at South West Essex Community Services are supporting the brand new stop smoking campaign in a bid to get people in South West Essex to quit.
The new campaign includes a preparation pack, 28-day quit calendar and health and wealth wheel.
Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via:
- Stoptober app (available via smartphone)
- Motivational text messages
- Facebook page – www.facebook.com/NHSSmokefree
Tina Lincoln, Stop Smoking Service Manager for South West Essex Community Services Vitality team, said:
“As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those undertaking the 28 day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste, and more energy.”
“Longer term those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their second hand smoke.”
“Stoptober is a great opportunity to make this the time to stop smoking. Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health and people don’t have to go it alone.”
“Even if people have had several attempts in the past, joining in with this campaign and accessing additional free support from local stop smoking services, may give them the boost they need to make this their last successful attempt.”
Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days.
There will be two stop smoking groups available for smokers who wish to take up the challenge and quit for Stoptober to join in the following locations:
- Thurrock Council Offices, New Road, Grays RM17 6FD
- The Place (formerly Pitsea Leisure Centre), Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, Basildon SS13 3DW.
They will both start on Monday 1st October 2012 at 6pm – 7.30pm and run every Monday for 6 weeks.
Participants will receive advice and support to stop smoking within a friendly group setting with advice on appropriate medication to use in their quit attempt. To book on a group please call Vitality on 0800 077 8000.
The Vitality Stop Smoking Team will be holding smoking roadshows throughout the Stoptobercampaign, in the following areas:
Quit Smoking in BASILDON
- Monday 1 October – Basildon University Hospital (The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre)
- Saturday 6 October – Basildon Town Centre, Basildon
- Monday 8 October – Basildon University Hospital (The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre)
- Monday 15 October – Basildon University Hospital (The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre)
- Monday 22 October – Basildon University Hospital (The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre)
- Monday 29 October – Basildon University Hospital (The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre)
- Weds 31 October – Pipps Hill Retail Park, Basildon
Quit Smoking in BRENTWOOD
- Sat 13 October- on Brentwood High Street, next to New Look.
Quit Smoking in In THURROCK
Help is at hand in Grays Town Centre, next to Morrisons supermarket.
- Tuesday 2 October
- Tuesday 9 October
- Tuesday 16 October
- Saturday 20 October
- Tuesday 23 October
- Tuesday 30 October
For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober
For advice on stopping smoking, the types of support and medication available the Vitality team can be contacted on 0800 077 8000.
