This in from the IW NHS, in their own words, Ed
During October, smokers on the Island are being encouraged to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober – a national 28 day challenge that will see people from all over the country stop smoking for the month of October.
Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree and Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.
Supported by many agencies
Stoptober is supported by NHS Isle of Wight, GPs and Chamber Health. Simon Bryant, Public Health Consultant said, “Giving up smoking is one of the most effective ways to improve health but it can be difficult and challenging for people, Stoptober is a real opportunity to support people who would like to quit. The Island has great stop smoking services who are specially trained in giving people the help they need, I would like to encourage everyone who may be considering quitting to give it a try and contact a stop smoking service today.”
During October, Chamber Health Stop Smoking Service will be out and about around the Island with a presence in Newport and Ryde every week (town centres; Ryde Tuesday, Newport Wednesday) encouraging Island smokers to give Stoptober a go. Chamber Health also operate a drop in session at their office at Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport every Thursday between 5pm – 6pm, and visit staff in their work place. To book a one to one appointment, contact the Chamber Health team on 01983 554545.
Debbie Cant of Chamber Health said, “Many people want to stop smoking but find it very difficult for one reason for another. We are asking all smokers to ‘give it a go’ for four weeks and see how they get on. We can supply a wide range of nicotine replacement therapy products for the four week period, for example patches, gum, lozenges, inhalator or a combination of these, to support smokers and help them achieve their goal to quit smoking.
Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober or contact your GP or Chamber Health on 01983 554545.
Image: Fried Dough under CC BY 2.0
