11 March 2009
Figures released today to mark No Smoking Day show around three people EVERY DAY are quitting smoking in Telford and Wrekin.
The latest statistics for the local stop smoking service, Help 2 Quit, run by Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust, reveal that 306 people stopped the habit between October and December last year.
New research also shows almost half (44%) of smokers in the West Midlands are thinking about or planning to cut down or quit as a direct result of the economic downturn.
Almost three-quarters of smokers would like to quit and No Smoking Day is encouraging them to take the first step today by seeking advice from their NHS Stop Smoking Service, GP or pharmacist.
H2Q has clinics across T&W in GP surgeries, community venues, schools and various other venues. There is also a new free phone helpline - 0800 731 6539 - for smokers who want advice over the phone.
H2Q staff were also at MOD Donnington today with the resident nurse offering stop smoking advice to both military and back office staff at the Ordnance Depot.
Linda Offord, tobacco control manager for Telford and Wrekin PCT, said: “There are still plenty of people who want to stop smoking; the most effective way to quit is with the local stop smoking service.
“There are many people who try to quit on their own but fall at the first hurdle. Help 2 Quit will help people overcome these obstacles and it is proven that using a local stop smoking service increases your chances of quitting.”
No Smoking Day President and Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne, commented on the recent findings:
“Everybody is feeling the pinch during the current recession."
“For smokers, who can spend over £2000 a year on cigarettes, it’s particularly tough, so for those who are ready to quit there has never been a better time.”
Twelve per cent of smokers polled from the West Midlands will be making a quit attempt today, No Smoking Day. The report also found:
- Smokers in the West Midlands (48%) are most likely to quit because of the recession
- Women are more likely to cut down or think about giving up (40% compared to 32% of male smokers)
Ends/
Notes to editors:
Telford and Wrekin PCT is responsible for purchasing health services for 168,000 people who live in the Telford & Wrekin borough.
The PCT was established in 2002 and has a budget for 2008/09 of £225 million.
Its responsibilities include managing contracts with the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital trust, local doctors, dentists, pharmacists and opticians.
In addition, the PCT provides a range of community-based services including health visiting, district nursing, intermediate care and Adult Learning Disability (ALD) nursing.
For further information contact:
Kieran Larkin
Communications Manager
Telford & Wrekin PCT
Tel: 01952 265169
Mob: 07795 800062