Vapes help wean Kent smokers off the ciggies

Some 65% of smokers from Kent who attended drop-in clinics managed to quit smoking, according to a report.

University College, London, also found 58% of people in Medway were able to stop once they had contacted telephone support services.

Smokers across the area are being urged to join the ranks of ex-smokers by taking part in Stoptober – the month long campaign that starts on October 1.

Smoking rates across Kent and Medway have fallen by more than 5% since 2012.

In Kent just 15.2% of the adult population now smokes. In Medway the number is 19%.

Jason Mahoney, tobacco lead for Public Health England South East, said: “Stoptober is a perfect time for smokers to try and give up smoking – however many times they may have tried in the past.

“The annual campaign provides the perfect opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to work together towards quitting smoking for good.

“Now more than ever, there are a host of quit-smoking aids and free support services available.

“I would encourage anyone thinking of quitting to make a plan and take part in Stoptober.

“Evidence shows you are more likely to quit with support from a local stop-smoking service than if you try to go it alone.

“Quitting really is the best thing a smoker can do for their health, and by committing to quit you will join thousands of smokers across the South East this Stoptober who want to make a positive change to their health.”

Tobacco remains the number one killer in England and a chief cause of long-term poor health, with one in four hospital beds occupied by a smoker.

In 2015-16 smoking-attributable hospital admissions in Kent accounted for 12,447 people and 2,159 in Medway.

This year’s TV adverts for the Stoptober campaign will feature e-cigarettes for the first time.

The fall in the number of people smoking has been put down to plain packaging, tougher restrictions and the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes.

‘Quitting really is the best thing a smoker can do for their health’

Picture: Thinkstock Image Library In Kent just 15.2% of the adult population now smokes