Stoptober supported by fire service staff members

Stoptober

The national Stoptober campaign is being backed by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to help keep people safe from fire and encourage them to kick the habit to better their health.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of accidental fire deaths in the UK and in Greater Manchester where 46 per cent of accidental deaths are caused by smoking related materials.

Smoking is also the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK, causing cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach and liver cancer, as well as respiratory disease and heart disease and increasing problems such as asthma.

There are lots of ways to quit and Stoptober can help people choose what works for them.

Firefighters, community safety staff members and volunteers at GMFRS have been taking part in new training that is tailored to helping smokers they meet while out and about in Greater Manchester and carrying out Safe and Well visits.

This new way of working aims to help smpkers quit, bringing a host of health benefits and reduce their risk of having a fire at home.

Stoptober offers a range of free support to help people on their quitting journey. In addition, people can get expert face-to-face advice from local stop smoking services.