Smokefree Hampshire are encouraging smokers to stop smoking for good this Stoptober 2020. Where smokers may experience an increased risk of complications from Covid-19, now is the time.
The 28 day challenge starts on the 1st October and Smokefree Hampshire are reaching out to the local people of Hampshire to encourage them to give up the habit for good.
Stop smoking advisors are online to offer advice, support and arrange for free of charge medications for those signing up to quit. Smokefree Hampshire offer a tailor-made programme of support from specialist stop smoking advisors to help smokers to quit. Additionally, the Quit with Bella app is free to download for those living in Hampshire, providing 24/7 AI powered support, when it is most needed.
Stoptober is the annual campaign from Public Health England (PHE) that encourages smokers across the country to join in and give quitting a go during October. Since launching in 2012, Stoptober has driven over 1.9 million quit attempts and is the biggest mass participation quit attempt in the country. Stoptober is based on research that smokers who make it to 28 days smokefree are five times more likely to quit for good. This year’s campaign, although without face to face promotions, will encourage smokers to re-evaluate their relationship with smoking and quit smoking to reduce their risk from Covid-19.
Leena Sankla, Director of Public Health & Lifestyle Services at Solutions 4 Health, said: “Stoptober is the perfect time to motivate people to quit smoking. As smoking remains one of the leading causes of premature death in Hampshire and the UK, providing free support to smokers can help to reduce the risk of people developing smoking related illnesses.”
She added, “We are very excited about our virtual and online support as this helps us to take support into the homes of the community and make the service accessible to all, particularly for smokers who may be more at risk of complications from Covid-19.”
Now in its ninth year, Stoptober has proven to be a successful national campaign in motivating people to quit as it creates a sense of solidarity during a difficult period. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to quit to take up support available to them.
For free support to quit smoking contact a stop smoking advisor on 01264 563039/ 0800 772 3649 or text QUIT to 66777. To find out more about what Hampshire can offer you, including details of your next virtual sessions, visit www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk