SMOKERS in Oxfordshire are being urged to take part in a national campaign designed to help them quit for good.
The Public Health England Stoptober initiative is being backed by Oxfordshire County Council’s public health department.
It starts on Saturday, October 1 and is based on research suggesting that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to quit for good.
Cabinet member for public health Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and contributes to around 100,000 deaths each year.
“We’re supporting Stoptober because it’s vital we encourage Oxfordshire residents to make healthy choices.”
Smokers who want to quit can visit the Stoptober website for information about an app and email and social media support including Facebook Messenger.
Smokers needing face-to-face advice can consult Smokefreelife Oxfordshire, a free service commissioned by the council and provided by Solutions 4 Health, and clinics will be staged across the county.
Leena Sankla, director of public health and lifestyle services at Solutions 4 Health, said: “We are passionate about giving smokers the best chance to quit.”
For more information visit smokefreelifeoxfordshire.co.uk or www.nhs.uk/smokefree/stoptober/coming_soon
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