Get support to stub out the habit
SMOKERS across Halton are being offered help to stub out their habit for good. National No Smoking Day takes place on Wednesday, March 8.
Staff from Halton Health Improvement Team say setting a quit date is a great first step and each year, thousands of smokers choose the annual event as the day they start to stop.
A Halton Borough Council spokesman said that studies have shown smokers are four times more likely to quit with help from a stop smoking service.
Staff in the borough offer practical advice on quitting at free drop in and one-to-one sessions across Runcorn and Widnes.
The team can help smokers find the best way to quit, advise on how to cope with cravings and give details of reduced cost nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches, tablets or sprays.
Cllr Marie Wright, the council’s executive board member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’d ● like to encourage everyone who’s a smoker to make the Wednesday 8 March the day they start to stop.
“Smoking is still one the biggest causes of premature death in Halton so if you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do for your health – not to mention your bank balance – is quit.”
The team will be in Widnes Market on Wednesday, March 8, between 10am and 2pm to give prospective quitters advice and support.
Residents who use e-cigarettes to try and stop smoking will not be provided with more of the devices but can be offered support at sessions.
Those who cannot make the session on Wednesday can attend weekly drop in and one-to-one sessions across Runcorn and Widnes.
A council spokesman said: “Everybody is different and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
“So trained staff will work with you for as long as you need to help you quit for good.”
For more information call 0300 029 0029 or visit www.haltonhealthimprovementteam.co.uk