Stoptober is back for its 10th year and Solihull Council is encouraging smokers to quit with free help from Solihull Lifestyle Service.
Stoptober is a national 28-day stop smoking challenge starting on 1 October. Research shows that if people can make it to 28 days’ smoke free, they’re five times more likely to quit for good.
Around 651,000 adults in the West Midlands still smoke and it remains the leading preventable cause of premature death, however, a recent consumer survey by Opinium reports that more than half of smokers want to quit. The survey also found that nearly half of smokers smoked more since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
People who live in Solihull, or have a Solihull GP, can get free one-to-one specialist support from Solihull Lifestyle Service to stop smoking. Those wanting to quit can call 0800 599 9880 or fill out a referral form. Support can be provided on the phone, online, via WhatsApp or face-to-face, whatever people prefer.
Those looking to quit can also ask their GP or pharmacist for advice or visit the NHS website and download the free NHS Stoptober app or online Personal Quit Plan.
Councillor Tony Dicicco, Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: "It’s never too late to quit – stopping smoking brings immediate benefits to health, including for people with an existing smoking-related disease.
“There are also huge financial benefits to quitting, with the average smoker saving £36.47 a week by stopping smoking.
“Signing up to Stoptober is the first step to quitting smoking for good and to a healthier you. I encourage people to contact Solihull Lifestyle Service today as expert support from local stop smoking services gives people the best chance of success.”
Jemma Abbott, Solihull Lifestyle Services Lead added: “Stopping smoking is undoubtedly a tough process to go through but with Stoptober smokers have the opportunity to quit along with others and not feel alone, hopefully helping give them the motivation to succeed.
“Solihull Lifestyle Service is on hand to offer advice and support throughout Stoptober. Let us guide you through how to stop smoking – everyone is different and we can help find the right way for you. You are three times more likely to quit with our help.”