News-Stop smoking for Stoptober

Stoptober

Ourselves and Fresh are supporting Stoptober and encouraging people across County Durham to join the tens of thousands of people quitting this October.

More than five million adults in England still smoke and smoking causes 64,000 deaths every year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Five times more likely to quit

To help people stop smoking the annual campaign challenges smokers to go smokefree for 28 days. Research suggests that smokers who complete the challenge are five times more likely to quit for good.  

Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it's much easier to go smokefree with the right help such as quitting aids, local stop smoking services or switching entirely to vaping. 

Amanda Healy, our director of public health, said: "There are many benefits to quitting smoking, from being able to breathe easier and an increase in taste to saving money.

"We know quitting can be difficult, so campaigns like Stoptober are a great opportunity to give quitting a go, as there is lots of additional information and support available throughout the month. You will also be joining the many other people trying to quit as part of Stoptober, so you won't be on your own.

"There is plenty of year-round support across County Durham for those who are looking to quit. With expert help you are four times more likely to quit than those who try without support. I would encourage everyone who is thinking of stopping smoking to take this opportunity to give it a try, and see the positive difference it can make on their health, wellbeing and lifestyle."

See benefits within days

Cllr Chris Hood, our Cabinet member for adult and health services, said:"Stopping smoking brings with it a whole range of benefits from financial savings to improved health - and the earlier a person quits smoking, the more likely they are to benefit.

"You could feel the benefits, including an improved sense of taste and smell, more energy and finding it easier to breathe, within days or weeks, no matter how long you have been smoking or what age you are.

"There are also some amazing longer-term benefits such as reduced risk of cancer and heart and lung disease and protecting loved ones from the potential harms of second-hand smoke. I'd encourage anyone to use Stoptober as an opportunity to quit for good and take advantage of the help and support available."

Ailsa Rutter OBE, director of Fresh and Balance, said: "Most people who smoke regret ever starting - it damages health and costs tens of thousands of pounds to smoke over a lifetime. Smoking has killed over 125,000 people in our region since the year 2000 alone.

"The good news is that thousands of people every year successfully manage to quit smoking and have a better life by putting smoking behind them. Just breaking down your quit attempt into 28 days might feel less daunting. And once you've done that, you can tell yourself you are well on the road to staying quit.

"Don't ever give up on quitting even if you don't succeed first or second time. Keep trying - next time it can be different."