Sheffield’s smokers challenged to be part of Stoptober

During October, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging smokers throughout Sheffield to take part in the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health – Stoptober.

It is known that if you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree, and Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.

Many famous faces, organisations and employers are supporting the stop smoking campaign and Sheffield Stop Smoking Service wants to encourage local people to use this opportunity to quit.

All participants who sign up to Stoptober will be helped to make their quit attempt with a preparation pack, 28-day quit calendar and a health and wealth wheel. Smokers can also sign up to receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via:

• Stoptober app (available via Smartphone)
• Motivational text messages
• Facebook page

Sheffield Stop Smoking Service has a large number of fully trained stop smoking advisers, ready to give you the advice and support you need to help you quit – and it’s all free!

Claire Holden, service manager said, “As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those undertaking the 28 day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy.

“Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their secondhand smoke.

“This is the first time a mass quit attempt has been organised which involves people across the country and I would encourage all smokers in Sheffieldto take the opportunity to get involved and make a quit attempt.”

Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober

For advice and support on stopping smoking, contact the NHS Sheffield Stop Smoking Service helpline free on 0800 068 4490, visit their website www.sheffieldstopsmoking.org.uk or call into the Quit-Stop at 39 Charles Street.

Normal opening hours for the Quit-Stop are 9am – 4.45pm Monday, Thursday and Friday, Tuesdays 10am to 4.45pm, late opening Wednesday 8am to 7pm and 9.30am – 12.30pm on Saturday. The service is based inSheffieldcity centre at39 Charles Street, just offPinstone Street, only 2 minutes walk from the Town Hall.