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Stop smoking campaign launches

This news article was published more than a year ago. Some of the information may no longer be accurate.

Published: 08/09/2014


Smokers across South Gloucestershire are being encouraged to take the 28-day Stoptober Challenge and quit smoking this October.

Launching on September 8, the campaign, which runs throughout October is encouraging smokers who are thinking about stopping to sign up for the challenge ready for the start on Wednesday 1 October. You will receive support via email and text to help you succeed in what is well known to be a tough task.

On the first of October, smokers in South Gloucestershire and up and down the country can make a pledge to quit together throughout the month. If you are a smoker and you would like to take part in the Stoptober challenge there is plenty of support available to help you succeed. We run various stop smoking services in the community so if you want to start getting ready for October 1, contact us for a free appointment by calling 01454 865502 or emailing smokefree@southglos.gov.uk

You could also come and talk to one of our friendly advisors and find out how you can be supported to take the 28 day stop smoking challenge ahead of the official start date on October 1.

We will be at shopping centres across the district on the following dates:

  • Yate shopping centre on Tuesday 9 September between 10am and 4pm
  • Kingswood shopping centre on Friday 12 September between 10am and 4pm
  • Fountain Square, Staple Hill on Saturday 13 September between 10am and 4pm
  • The Parade, Patchway on Friday 19 September between 5pm and 9pm.

Dr Mark Pietroni, South Gloucestershire Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Last year’s Stoptober campaign was a huge success with over 250,000 people in England and Wales taking part. Over 65 per cent of people taking the challenge reached 28 days – making them five times more likely to quit for good so if you want help to stop smoking join us for Stoptober.

“The benefits of quitting are well known, but smokers who have quit the habit know that while it can be hard to overcome the cravings, the pay-off is certainly worth it and after just 28 days smokers will start to feel the financial, physical and health benefits, including better sense of taste and smell and a reduced risk of lung cancer and heart disease.”

This is the third year of Stoptober, which is run nationally by Public Health England. The 28-day target is based on research that indicates that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay quit.

This year’s Stoptober campaign is using comedy to engage smokers and help them through their 28- day smokefree challenge, and stay quit for good. Mirroring the national theme of using comedy to help you get through the month-long challenge, we will be joined by comedian Chris Purchase.

Last year, more than 1,300 people in South Gloucestershire took part, with 88 per cent who received Stoptober support making a quit attempt.


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