Stoptober 2013: October 1-28

Expert advisors are urging Norfolk’s smokers not to go ‘cold turkey’ and instead ask for expert help to quit on the eve of the start of this year’s Stoptober campaign.

It is hoped that as many people as possible will get in touch with Smokefree Norfolk for free, confidential help stubbing itout once and for all during this year’s 28-day challenge, in turn improving their health, wealth and wellbeing.

Anyone thinking of giving up can contact the Smokefree Norfolk team, the stop smoking service provided by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), for help kicking the habit. As well as specialist support and advice, either on a one-to-one or group basis, they will also get access to medication such as patches, mini lozenges or mouth spray, and will be able to sign up for a free Stoptober pack full of support tools and daily tips and motivational messages at the same time.

“We’re reminding everyone that there’s no need to go it alone this Stoptober – we’re here to help,” said Katie McGoldrick, Smokefree Norfolk Lead. “We offer a wide range of support along with medication to help you quit, which means you won’t have to go ‘cold turkey’.

“Our expert advisors have helped thousands of people up over the last few years and will find the right way for you to quit too.Research also shows that you are four times more likely to quit successfully with NHS support – so please do contact us this Stoptober and let us help you towards a smokefree life.”

Now in its second year, Stoptober encourages smokers to initially go smokefree for 28 days which in turn makes them five times more likely to stay quit for good.

Publicity for this year’s campaign is already in full swing, and picked up further momentum yesterday when ex-smoker and extreme marathon runner Rory Coleman visited the county to spread the smokefree message.

He ran 25-miles through Norfolk before stopping at the Sportspark, on Earlham Road, in Norwich, to collect a giant four metre high ‘Stoptober’ ball, which he then pushed for a further three miles through the city centre to the Norwich Haymarket. His arrival was heralded by the local Rock Choir.

During the day, Smokefree Norfolk advisors were also on hand to provide information and advice about the support available to help people to kick the habit, while almost 200 signalled their intention to quit by taking away a stop smoking pack which is full of information and advice about giving up and details on how Smokefree Norfolk could help them.

People also attached their own personal pledges to a three metre high Stoptober wheel.

“Stoptober gives people the perfect platform to quit,” added Katie. “This year, our teams will be out and about across the county and as easy for people to access as possible.

“As well as explaining the health benefits, we’ll also be inviting people to think about just how much they could save by quitting. Over the course of a year, someone who smokes 20-a-day spends nearly £3,000 – that’s enough to pay for an incredible holiday or 58 gym memberships.

“So I’d encourage anyone thinking of quitting to get in touch. You’ve get nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Expert advisors from Smokefree Norfolk have already held stands at a variety of locations across the county, and will also be available on:

• Monday, October 14 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; and
• Monday, October 21, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

To sign up to take part in Stoptober, or for more advice on giving up smoking, contact the Smokefree Norfolk team on freephone 0800 0854 113, text bfree and your name to 65000 or log on to www.smokefreenorfolk.nhs.uk

 

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