Life-saving partnership launched

Staff from GMFRS, The Christie and Manchester Stop Smoking

A life-saving partnership has been launched by three services with a vested interest in Greater Manchester’s communities giving up smoking.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, The Christie and Manchester Stop Smoking Service have joined forces to help more people kick the habit.

On top of the work that each organisation does individually to improve the quality of people's lives by quitting smoking, they have formed a partnership to enhance what they are already achieving.

They will work together on a range of events and activities in the future.

The partnership was launched with a course to train staff from GMFRS and The Christie to act as smoking cessation counsellors.

It also comes ahead of national No Smoking Day on 14 March when activities will be taking places right across Greater Manchester to mark the occasion, encouraging people to give up.

Councillor David Acton, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority chairman, said: "Smoking is one of the biggest causes of fire in homes in Greater Manchester and one of the biggest causes of cancer so this partnership makes perfect sense.

"While we don't want to tell people how to live their lives, there are undoubtedly health benefits to giving up smoking as well as drastically reducing the risk of suffering a fire in your home.

"Therefore, together we will work tirelessly to make sure people have access to the right support and facilities so it is as easy as possible for anyone our communities to give up smoking."

Peter Mackereth, clinical lead for smoking cessation at The Christie, said: “It is not like it was 50 years ago – we now have a strong grasp on the dangers that smoking brings to people and those exposed to the smoke – what with cancers, breathing and heart problems and, of course, house fires.

“People come and see us day after day addicted to smoking and wanting to stop. It’s never too late to stop – yes it’s a challenge when you’re ill - but worth it. Being smoke free will reduce treatment side-effects and increases rates of recovery from cancer.

“In the UK, smoking kills five times more people than road accidents, overdoses, murder, suicide and HIV all put together. The statistics are mind blowing.”

Abbie Paton , Acting Manager Manchester Stop Smoking Service, said: “ We are excited about this new partnership as it will enable us to work together to get key information out to the public. It will help people make informed lifestyle choices.”