“Let’s quit together!”

Guernsey’s Health Improvement Commission is supporting the national ‘Stoptober’ campaign again – hoping to encourage more people to quit smoking.

The island already has a declining smoking prevalence among adults – down from 13.1% in 2018 to 9.1% in 2023.

The 2023 figure was based on a survey of more than 2000 people, and it showed the smoking prevalence in Guernsey and Alderney is now at the lowest it’s been since it was documented.

If it continues dropping and halves again the Bailiwick will be declared ‘smoke-free’.

However, despite the number of smokers declining, the HIC estimates there are still more than 5,000 adults in Guernsey that smoke, and it warns that smoking is responsible for 57 deaths a year locally.

To try and encourage them to give up the habit, the HIC’s Stoptober campaign will highlight the power of quitting together and the wide range of free support available to help people succeed.

Research shows that people who quit for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.

Support available locally includes Quitline Guernsey, access to the NHS Quit Smoking app, a personal ‘Quit Plan’, Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), and the use of vaping as a quit aid.

Quitline is offering a free 30-minute information session at the Gateway Club at Les Oberlances this afternoon at 17:45 for anyone who wants to find out more about its services.

One anonymous service user said it really helped them quit smoking for good.

“I really appreciate that I could get this sort of help from Quitline,” they said. “It has taught me that with a little bit of support I’m capable of anything.”

Another added that “everyone at Quitline has been brilliant at helping me quit smoking. The staff were informative and caring and were integral to my success.” 

A third Quitline user said it helped them stop smoking too.

“Talking with someone weekly plus free patches were a bonus. I look forward to the catch-up calls to be able to say, ‘I am a non-smoker’.”

Andrea Tostevin, Public Health Officer, said they know from the available data that there are similar smoking rates between men and women, but young women between 16-24 show the highest levels of current smoking at 16.5%.

There is evidence showing that most reductions in smoking have occurred in those under 45.

She said Quitline can help everyone, in whatever category.

“Quitline is delighted to once again support individuals or groups wanting to take on the Stoptober challenge. Please come along to our drop-in or information session—we’d love to see you. Or feel free to phone us on 01481 220021, or message via our Facebook page.”