City backs bid to cut number of smokers

Council bosses in Sunderland have given the go-ahead to set of recommendations that aim to reduce the harmful effects of smoking.

The city council is supporting the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health’s recommendations, which include measures to help people quit and prevent young people from taking up the habit.

Although smoking is already on the decline in the city – with the latest figures showing the number of people who smoke reduced from 20.2% in 2018 to 16% in 2019 – the figure is still above the national average for the number of adult smokers.

The group’s recommendations are in line with the city council’s ambition for a smokefree city by 2030.

Councillor Kelly Chequer, portfolio holder for healthy city at the council, said: "This council is proud to be endorsing these recommendations, which would significantly improve quality of life for many residents and help towards reducing health inequalities in the city.

"The APPG report found that smoking is a factor in driving over a million people into poverty, and that quitting is linked to improvements in mental wellbeing as well as physical health.

"Endorsing the recommendations ties in with our Healthy City Plan, which aims to have everyone in Sunderland living healthy and happy lives, leaving no one behind."

Any smoker who feels they need help to quit, can take advantage of a range of support available either through their GP, pharmacy or Sunderland’s dedicated Specialist Stop Smoking Service.

For more details, go to www.stopsmokingsunderland.nhs.uk and www.nhs. uk/smokefree