Reading Smokers Encouraged to Take Part in Stoptober 2018

Stoptober 2018

SMOKERS in Reading are being encouraged to come along to the Stoptober Roadshow in Broad Street and join the national 28 day quit smoking challenge.

On 22nd September, Smokefreelife Berkshire will be in Broad Street to officially launch Stoptober in Reading. They will be on hand between 10am and 4pm to provide free support on quitting, and will be able to provide advice about the options available. Reading’s Trading Standards Team and the Berkshire West Tobacco Control Alliance are also attending on the day to raise awareness about illegal tobacco, the harms it causes and how people can help us to tackle the issue. Specialist stop-smoking advisors will be on hand to offer people free advice on how to improve their chances of quitting for good. People can sign up to the Stoptober 28 day challenge and get access to a free 12 week support programme.

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, Readings Lead Member for Health, said:

“So many smokers have expressed a desire to quit for good, but for many it is difficult to go it alone. Stoptober is the ideal time for those serious about giving up starting their journeys. Research has shown if people can stop smoking with the right support for 28 days, they are 5 times more likely to quit for good. There are a number of options available that can help people to start their journey. Finding the right solution can make all the difference. “Unfortunately, smoking remains one of the leading causes of premature death in Reading, Berkshire and the UK, so providing support to smokers is important to help to reduce the risk of people developing smoking related illnesses.” People can sign up to take part in Stoptober here https://stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk For information on the support available locally, contact a stop smoking advisor on 0800 622 6360, text QUIT to 66777 or visit www.smokefreelifeberkshire.com

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Stoptober campaign is a government initiative to reduce smoking in the UK and was launched in 2012 to motivate the UK’s 10 million smokers to stop smoking for 28 days. Current research shows that people who stop smoking during this time are 5 times more likely to remain smoke free. While smoking rates have declined over past decades, smoking is still the biggest cause of preventable illness and premature deaths in the country - accounting for nearly 80,000 deaths in England a year. One in every two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking related disease unless they quit.