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Local public services encourage smokers to take the first step towards quitting this Stoptober
Residents across Worcestershire are being encouraged to take the first step towards becoming smoke free this Stoptober.
Stoptober is the UK's annual stop smoking campaign, helping smokers to quit for 28 days during October. Research shows that people who make it to 28 days smoke free are up to five times more likely to quit for good.
There is a range of free support available across Worcestershire to help people quit.
Families living with a child or young person under 19 in Worcestershire can access free support through the Smoke Free Homes service. The service is available to parents, carers, grandparents, siblings and other family or household members who would like help to stop smoking and create a healthier home environment.
The service provides one-to-one support from trained stop smoking support workers, free nicotine replacement therapy, and tailored support to help people quit and stay smoke free. Family support sessions can be arranged where appropriate.
Young people aged 12 to 17 can also get free one-to-one support through the Smoke Free Homes service offered by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
Michelle Caladine, Smoking Prevention Public Health Nurse Specialist and Team Lead for Smoke Free Homes, said: “Quitting smoking isn’t always easy, but there’s lots of help available for free in Worcestershire. Stoptober is a great opportunity to give quitting a go and take a positive step for your health and wellbeing.”
To access support through Smoke Free Homes, people can self-refer through the Trust website. Professionals can also make referrals to the service.
Through Worcestershire County Council, adults can access support through Healthy Worcestershire, including personalised quit plans, specialist advice and free vape starter kits.
Quit Coach also offers free support via WhatsApp, with advice and encouragement available 24 hours a day.
Councillor Alan Bailes, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "Giving up smoking can feel like a big challenge, especially if you've tried before. But every quit attempt is a step in the right direction, and no one has to do it alone. We have friendly, free support available across Worcestershire to help people find the approach that works for them. If you're thinking about quitting this Stoptober, I'd encourage you to take that first step along with the thousands of other people across the country.”
For more information about local stop smoking support, visit the Worcestershire County Council website: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/stop-smoking-support and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust website: https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/smokefreehomes.