Smokers urged to ‘call it quits’ for No Smoking Day

Borough urged to ‘call it quits’ for No Smoking Day

Smokers should give up smoking and ‘be proud to be a quitter’ on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 9 March).

Rochdale Borough Council is supporting the British Heart Foundation’s campaign to help smokers who want to quit, by creating a supportive environment and highlighting the help available.

It is estimated that more than 21 per cent of adults in the Rochdale borough are smokers, which is higher than the national average of 18 per cent.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, is an ex-smoker. She said: “I was smoking anything from 20 to 40 cigarettes a day, depending on how stressed I felt. In February 2002 I decided it was time to stop because I knew if I didn’t it would eventually kill me.”

Smoking increases the risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease and strokes; and is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK. It is estimated that 423 people die every year in Rochdale, as a result of smoking related causes.

No Smoking Day in Rochdale is aiming to inspire smokers to stub out their last cigarette and access the different types of support available across the borough. According to Public Health England smokers are four times more likely to quit for good with expert advice, support and medication on prescription.

Councillor Emsley used the support of her family and hypnosis to quit smoking for good: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I used to suffer from breathlessness and frequent coughs, which are now long gone, along with the horrible smell smoking left on my fingers and clothes. I haven’t craved another cigarette since 2002 and I feel so much healthier and happier as a proud quitter.

“No Smoking Day is a great time to kick the habit but support is available for the people of Rochdale all year round. Whether you want to save money or live healthier, I would like to encourage as many people as possible to seek out the best support for them and become proud quitters too.”

On Wednesday 9 March the Living Well Team will be giving out free information and advice at the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, Middleton Arena and the Phoenix Centre in Heywood from 10am – 1pm. Rochdale Borough Council’s public protection service will also be available at Number One Riverside from 9am – 4:30pm.

For more information or support to quit smoking contact the Living Well Stop Smoking Service on 01706 751190 or visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/smoking