Yorkshire Smokefree kicks off partnership with Barnsley FC

New NHS stop smoking service Yorkshire Smokefree has teamed up with Barnsley Football Club to help smokers in the area kick the habit.

Yorkshire Smokefree, which is run by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, has already helped thousands of people across Yorkshire to quit smoking by offering tailored support to suit people’s needs.

The partnership between Yorkshire Smokefree and Barnsley FC will see information on offer at Oakwell stadium, the ground of the football club, advertising the different methods people in Barnsley can use to quit for good with Yorkshire Smokefree.

Smokers in Barnsley can choose to pick and mix their support and take advantage of the service’s telephone, face to face, and 24/7 online advice.

Face to face advice from friendly and approachable NHS experts is available from a number of convenient locations in the borough, including in Barnsley Hospital and at the quit shop on Eldon Street in the town centre.

Telephone advisors can offer guidance and encouragement through extended opening hours – including evenings and weekends.

The service’s innovative online quit programme allows users to create their own profile and supports people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by providing rewards, motivational emails and texts, and online chat with qualified advisors.

Zoe Styring, service manager of Yorkshire Smokefree in Barnsley, said: “We’re really pleased to join up with Barnsley FC to help as many people in the area as possible give up smoking. The benefits giving up smoking has on your health are endless – after just three days there is no nicotine left in the body, your breathing becomes easier, and your energy levels increase.

“Quitting smoking will give you the extra energy you need for a kick about in the park and will leave you with spare cash to spend on the things you enjoy like going to watch the Tykes play. You’re four times more likely to quit for good with the help of the NHS, and our tailored programme of support makes it even easier.”

Linton Brown, Commercial Sales Manager at Barnsley FC, said: “We are proud to announce a very exciting new Club Partnership with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and their Yorkshire Smokefree campaign.

Yorkshire Smokefree provides expert NHS advice in Barnsley and the local regional area providing fantastic support for anyone who wants to stop smoking. It runs various sessions throughout the Barnsley area and we are delighted to be part of this campaign in keeping with our role in promoting healthy living within our local community. We look forward to working closely with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in delivering these key messages and their excellent services.”

To find out more about Yorkshire Smokefree, visit www.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk or call 0800 6120011 (free from landlines) or 0330 6601166 (free from most mobiles).