Smokers in Medway are being encouraged to access the support available to quit this Stoptober.
We are supporting the annual Stoptober campaign, led by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. The campaign aims to encourage residents to quit the habit during the month of October and help them give up completely.
Stoptober has helped more than 2.5 million people across England make quit attempts since its launch in 2012.
Stoptober highlights that if a smoker can make it to 28 days smoke free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death. Every year around 64,000 people in England die from smoking, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses.
Since 2018, Medway’s Stop Smoking Service, led by our A Better Medway team, has supported 9,244 residents with their quit attempts.
The free service offers a range of support including one-to-one in person support, on the phone or via video. There is also an online text to quit messaging service with support and tips.
Residents who smoke and are aged 18 and above who contact our stop smoking service for support are also offered a free re-usable vaping starter kit, with up to 10 liquids at the appropriate strength to treat their addiction.
Our dedicated team is here to support you
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “I would encourage residents who smoke to join the thousands of smokers across the country who are committing to quit this Stoptober. We understand that quitting can be incredibly difficult, but our dedicated team is here to support you and you’re much more likely to stub out the habit for good with support. There are many benefits to quitting such as having more energy, feeling healthier, breathing better and having extra money in your pocket. I would encourage residents who are thinking of quitting smoking to contact the team for help, support and advice.”