Norfolk County Council is encouraging residents who smoke to put down their cigarettes for good this Stoptober, to help them improve their health.
Working alongside its newly commissioned health partner Reed Wellbeing which provides smoking cessation services to Norfolk residents, the authority is supporting Stoptober, a national campaign running throughout October aiming to empower people to stop smoking entirely.
The campaign theme stresses the behavioural science upon which Stoptober was founded – that if you can achieve 28 days smoke-free, your chances of quitting permanently are significantly increased.
Councillor Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Stoptober is with us once again, and evidence shows that you are five times more likely to quit smoking for good if you take part in Stoptober. It is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to make a positive change to their lives and improve their health.
“It’s never too late to quit, and you are likely to see some health benefits straightaway.”
Smokers across the county are being urged to take advantage of Smokefree Norfolk, which is Norfolk’s specialist stop smoking service. Smokefree Norfolk offers guidance and practical advice to help quit smoking for good, including personalised support from a Stop Smoking Coach, help to set a quit date, and access to community support and apps.
A spokesperson for Reed Wellbeing said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best changes you can make to improve your health. We recently worked with a woman who wanted to stop smoking for health reasons, to see her grandchildren grow up, and to not endanger them with second-hand smoke. Initially she struggled on her quitting journey as she was using cigarettes as a form of emotional support, however she now cites the support of her Stop Smoking Coach as the reason she has not had a cigarette for the first time since she was aged 13, which is an incredible achievement.”
Stuart Lines, Director of Public Health, added: “We are proud to be taking part in another Stoptober. Since its inception in 2012, Stoptober has successfully helped 2.5 million smokers nationally to make a quit attempt and has become a well-recognised annual event in the public health calendar.”
Residents who smoke can also visit Norfolk County Council’s ‘Help to quit smoking’ webpage where they can take the Stop Smoking quiz, get information on treatments to help quit smoking, make plans and set a quit date.
A range of services are available to support smokers on their quitting journey, which could include access to free vapes, nicotine replacement therapy, and specialist 1:1 or group support. Visit to readytochange.co.uk to find out more.
