Wiltshire smokers encouraged to quit during Stoptober Challenge

The campaign, which runs throughout next month, encourages smokers to think about stopping, to sign up to quit for 28 days on October 1 and receive support direct to their inbox or mobile phone to help them succeed in what is well known to be a tough task.

Wiltshire Council’s Stop Smoking service will be encouraging people to sign up and there will be Stoptober displays at County Hall, Trowbridge, from September 15 – 17 as well as the Big Red Ball inflatable which will be at an army event in Tidworth on September 23 and in Trowbridge town centre during market day on September 24.

Maggie Rae, corporate director at Wiltshire Council, said: “Evidence shows that if a smoker can quit for 28 days they are five times more likely to stay smoke-free and that is why we are encouraging smokers to participate in this year’s Stoptober.

"Wiltshire’s Stop Smoking service will be on hand to support people through this difficult challenge and provide the necessary encouragement to enable people to quit”.

Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health said: “Stoptober provides a great incentive for those wanting to quit smoking.

"People can quit with their friends and colleagues and encourage and support each other along the way alongside the help we’ll provide”

This is the third year of Stoptober, which is run in partnership with Public Health England.

Last year, more than 2,500 smokers in Wiltshire signed up for Stoptober and nationally 65 per cent of those who took part succeeded in staying smoke-free for the entire 28 days.

By signing up to Stoptober, smokers are provided with a detailed 28-day step-by-step programme to support them in their smoke-free attempt.

Smokers who have quit the habit know that while it can be hard to overcome the cravings, the pay-off is certainly worth it and after just 28 days smokers will start to feel the financial, physical and health benefits, including better sense of taste and smell and a reduced risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

A Melksham father and field technician has successfully quit his 40-a-day smoking habit after a health scare prompted him to look up Stoptober online and visit the Wiltshire Stop Smoking Service.

Paul Botting, 52, decided to quit last year after an operation to remove a cancerous lump in his chest.

“I started smoking the odd cigarette when I was eleven, and ended up spending approximately £170 a month on my rolling tobacco,” he said.

“My biggest push came after I had a lump removed from my chest which turned out to be cancerous.

"I knew I had to do something as I was newly married and my wife was frightened to death we wouldn’t reach our first anniversary.

"It took me time to get my head around it, and when Stoptober came up I thought it was time to give it a go. I registered online and soon began receiving encouraging texts daily from them letting me know how my body had started to recover.”

Inspired by Stoptober, Paul found a walk-in clinic every Saturday morning at his local Stop Smoking Service in Melksham and was able to drop in for support every week.

“The two stop smoking advisors, Jill and Joan, at the clinic were brilliant," he said.

"They gave me advice such as the best no smoking aid to try which were patches and spray in my case, and advised me to try changing my routine, do more exercise, and always eat breakfast.

"They also took a carbon monoxide test which showed how much carbon monoxide I had in my lungs, I always looked forward to having this test and seeing it come down which showed the increase in oxygen in my system.

“I’ve seen loads of benefits, my smell and taste returned, I don’t cough anymore, I smell nice, I feel fitter and I’m not breathless running up the stairs any more.

"My doctor recently took my blood pressure and said I have the blood pressure of a 21 year old, so that can’t be bad.

“I still pop in to see the advisors at the clinic and took my son with me in January who also wants to quit. I couldn’t have stopped without their support and encouragement.

"They told me about the benefits of not smoking, showed me the money I was saving and helped me set targets including ideas for treats such as weekends away and meals out.”

If people want to quit this Stoptober ,and join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, they should search ‘Stoptober’ online and sign up to the 28 day quit challenge.

For advice and support along the way call 0300 003 4562, email wiltsstopsmoking@nhs.net or visit www.wiltshirestopsmoking.co.uk