Good month to stub out a bad habit together

Thursday 01 October 2015

Almost a quarter of adults in Jersey are still smoking and the habit is causing one in six deaths in Islanders over the age of 35 so the local service which helps people to stop is urging those who haven’t yet to take up a mass quitting challenge.

Almost a quarter of adults in Jersey are still smoking and the habit is causing one in six deaths in Islanders over the age of 35 so the local service which helps people to stop is urging those who haven’t yet to take up a mass quitting challenge.

Around 100 smokers tried to give up during last year’s “Stoptober” campaign and almost half of them who had got support from Help2Quit were still off the cigarettes a month later – which according to evidence made them five times more likely to quit for good.

This October Jersey’s Stop Smoking Service wants to encourage more smokers to turn to the 20 local pharmacies now offering support around the Island.

Research shows that smokers are up to four times more likely to quit with support and by using approved stop smoking medication and anyone who stays smoke free for four weeks can now get extra support and treatment.

Help2Quit coordinator Dr Rhona Reardon said: "Stoptober offers smokers a realistic challenge of quitting for an initial 28 days. People who achieve this challenge are more likely to quit for good.

"Smokers don’t have to go it alone and the Help2Quit service is available to help. Access to free smoking cessation support for Islanders is greater than ever, with help now available in 20 local pharmacies.

"By using the help available, and through the mutual support of a partner or friend, smokers can give themselves a winning chance of making the breakthrough to stopping smoking for good."

Smokers can find out more here and are urged to call the Help2Quit Freephone number on 0800 735 1155 or they can get advice from their nearest chemist.