Get advice to stub out smoking habit
SMOKERS have taken the first step to quitting the habit after speaking to Halton Borough Council staff at Widnes Market.
More than 40 people spoke to council staff on No Smoking Day.
Nine of these went on to speak in more detail with stop smoking advisors, on their first steps to a smoke-free future and saving up to £2,500 a year.
Staff from the council’s Health Improvement Team are now at the market each day it is open at a dedicated stall where anyone can go along and get advice about quitting, as well as offering one-to-one sessions.
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for health and wellbeing Cllr Marie Wright said: “In life we’re told never to give up, to keep going – but when it comes to smoking, being a ‘quitter’ is a good thing!”
Staff from Halton Health Improvement Team say setting a quit date is a great first step and each year, thousands of smokers choose No Smoking Day as the day they start to stop, turning their backs on a life of cigarettes.
A council spokeswoman said studies show smokers are four times more likely to quit with help from a stop smoking service and in Halton, staff offer practical advice on quitting at free drop in and one-to-one sessions across Runcorn and Widnes. ●
The spokeswoman added: “The team can help you 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.
“If you quit today, by this time next year you could save up to £2,500.
“That’s enough for a new car or a fabulous family holiday. You’ll also see your health improve and could reduce your risk of serious health problems in the future.
“If you are trying to stop smoking using an e-cigarette we cannot provide e-cigarettes but we can still support you at visits.
“Everybody is different and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. So trained staff will work with you to help you quit for good.”
For more information call 0300 029 0029 or visit www.haltonhealthimprovementteam. co.uk