Smokers across Leicestershire are being encouraged to kick the habit this month with the help of our Quit Ready service.
This week sees the launch of Stoptober, a national 28-day stop smoking challenge based on findings that those who can go 28 days without smoking are five times more likely to quit for good.
In addition, smokers who use a combination of specialist support and medication are three times more likely to give up smoking successfully. Last year, Quit Ready helped 3,142 Leicestershire smokers kick the habit, 241 of whom signed up to the service during October 2019.
Those who sign up to Quit Ready’s 12-week telephone support programme will work with a dedicated stop smoking adviser who will provide free, personalised advice and support, as well as access to free stop smoking medication and quitting aids.
Smokers who choose to quit with an e-cigarette will be offered a free starter kit and follow-on nicotine liquids.
Stopping smoking is one of the best ways to improve health at any age or any time – but it’s especially important this year. We know that smoking increases our risk of developing respiratory infections, including COVID-19, and that it can cause more severe symptoms for those with such infections.
“What’s more, as flu season approaches, it’s wise to do all we can to reduce our vulnerability to the double danger of flu and COVID-19.
“Our Quit Ready service offers expert advice and tailored support to quit free of charge; and, as the entire programme can be delivered over the phone or via webchat, it’s also ideal for those self-isolating or shielding.
Person:Councillor Lee Breckon, county council cabinet member for health and wellbeingAs part of this year’s NHS Better Health campaign, Stoptober is providing support to those determined to quit via the free NHS Stoptober app, as well as a free personal quit plan available online.
To get in touch with Quit Ready Leicestershire, call 0345 646 66 66, text ‘ready’ to 66777 or go to www.quitready.co.uk.
To find out more about Stoptober and the Better Health campaign, search #Stoptober or go to www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/.