‘Stub out your habit and help combat costs crisis’
Health experts in the North East are being urged to quit smoking – and help stave off the cost of living crisis.
Anti-smoking group Fresh say giving up a 10-aday habit will save £1,642 a year – more than many families’ annual power bill despite energy bills rocketing this month.
Fresh say quitting smoking will not only give a financial boost, but will also improve people’s health and reduce stress and anxiety within weeks.
It says people who smoke 10 cigarettes a day and quit, could also save:
*£31 a week – covering the average monthly water bill.
*£62 in two weeks towards the cost of fuel or public transport.
*£93 in three weeks – the price of a family food shop.
*£124 in four weeks – the price of four months’ superfast broadband package including TV.
Smokers in the North East are also being offered the chance to sign up for free online 24/7 support with the Smoke-Free app – which can be downloaded from getmesmokefree.com
Ailsa Rutter, director of Fresh, said: “As well as the well documented serious health implication, smoking is also a massive drain on the finances for many families across the North East. Day by day, and week by week, it is frightening to think how these costs mount up. Quitting smoking
can feel like an instant pay rise.
“We know most smokers want to stop but it can be tough.
"The cost can be a big motivation to give it another go, whether that is towards the weekly shops, or taking the kids out on day trips, new clothes, presents for the kids or even paying towards life’s necessities like power and food.
"Quitting smoking means people save that money and ease some of
their worries.”
She added: “Many people are struggling financially but we have to remember smoking is an addiction that usually starts in childhood.
"Meanwhile, tobacco companies are profiting from addiction. It is time big tobacco is made to pay a levy towards prevention and supporting people to quit.”
To find a local stop smoking service, go to https:// www.nhs.uk/better-health/ quit-smoking/