Smoking remains the most preventable cause of death with 74,000 people dying every year in the UK.
Stoptober aims to empower people to give up smoking during October, as evidence shows people are five times more likely to quit for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke free. To mark Stoptober, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is sharing all the local free services that can support you in your quitting journey – so you can live your best life.
Local health and wellbeing service, Live Well Greenwich, can provide one-to-one support, drop-in sessions, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and e-cigarettes to get you to your healthiest self. NRT is a medicine that provides you with a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It comes in the form of chewing gum, patches, sprays, inhalators and lozenges.
A council spokesperson said: “We know that smoking affects our most vulnerable, which is why its important that these support services are free and accessible. I want the 30,000 smokers in our borough to know you are five times more likely to quit with support from services like Live Well. You can discuss your struggles with quitting in the past and get the advice you need to find a way forward.
“Providing free, accessible services ensures no one gets left behind and that everyone has the same opportunity to improve their physical health and – in just six weeks – see the benefits to their mental health and environment too, allowing everyone to live their best life”
In the UK, 70 per cent of smokers want to quit smoking, but don’t know where to start. We now offer free vapes to get you started as they are now the most successful way to give up smoking. However, if you don’t already smoke, don’t vape!
You’re at the start line if you’re considering quitting, so get in touch.
To get support to stop smoking, whether it be cigarettes or vapes, head to livewellgreenwich.org.uk/stop-smoking or call Greenwich Health on 080 0068 7123.
