Published: Monday, 30th September 2024
Smokers in Medway are being encouraged to access the support available to quit this Stoptober.
We are supporting the Department of Health and Social Care’s annual Stoptober campaign, which aims to encourage people to quit smoking during October.
Since launching in 2012, the campaign has helped more than 2.5million people make quit attempts. Stoptober highlights that if you can make it to 28 days smoke free, you are five times more likely to quit for good.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death and causes almost 75,000 deaths a year.
Since 2015, our Stop Smoking Service, led by our A Better Medway Team, has supported more than 9,500 residents to successfully quit smoking.
The service is completely free, and offers a wide range of support, including one-to-one support either over the phone or face-to-face. There is also an online text to quit messaging service with support and tips.
Face-to-face appointments are available at our three stop smoking centres: Stop Smoking Advice Centre, Chatham; Balmoral Gardens Healthy Living Centre, Gillingham; Stood Community Hall, Strood.
Residents who smoke, and are aged 18 and above, and contact our stop smoking service for support are also offered a free re-usable vaping stater kit, with up to 10 liquids at the appropriate strength to treat their addiction.
Dedicated professionals on hand to support you
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “If you are someone who smokes but wants to kick the habit, I would encourage you get in touch with our friendly team of trained advisors. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the country, and quitting will have you feeling healthier and more energetic, breathing easier and will also keep a bit of extra money in your pocket. We know it is no easy task to stop smoking, but our dedicated professionals will be on hand to support and help you through it.”
I'm happier, healthier and saving money
One Medway resident who got in touch with our Stop Smoking Service, Sophie from Hoo, said: “My quit journey has been plain sailing thanks to vaping. It wasn’t something that I had considered before, but I was excited to try it after being talked through my options. I found the vape to be discreet, feminine and easy to use; it didn’t draw attention to the fact I wasn’t smoking a cigarette.”
“I also found that I use it less than I thought I would, considering I could smoke up to 20 cigarettes a day. Vaping has played a crucial part in my quitting journey and I would absolutely encourage anyone to try it if they feel they are ready to quit smoking. I’m happier, healthier, and saving money!”