It’s No Smoking Day on Wednesday and Sefton’s free stop smoking service is urging local people to call it quits on smoking.
ABL Health’s ‘Smokefree Sefton’, a partner of wellbeing organisation Living Well Sefton, has seen growing demand for support to stop smoking during the coronavirus pandemic because smokers generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infections and experience more severe symptoms.
Lilian, a mum of four from Bootle, knew it was the right time for her to stop smoking and says the Smokefree Sefton tips on coping with cravings really did the trick.
“I was pregnant with my son and trying to come off the cigarettes. Money was also a motivator and I thought it was the right time, but I needed that extra bit of support.
“Since I have stopped smoking I have more energy and more money. I am also not using my inhaler as much, only when I need it. My breathing is better in general and when I am going upstairs I am not breathless anymore.”
Colette Kearney, Smokefree Sefton Service Manager, added: “Quitting now will not only benefit people’s individual health and help improve their lung health but it will also help to reduce the demands on the healthcare system in these difficult times.
“It’s encouraging that so many people in Sefton have been quitting for Covid. Research has shown that people who can quit smoking with support are four times more likely to quit for good and due to Covid restrictions we are currently offering one-to-one telephone or digital support at a time that suits you.”
Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones, said: “It’s part of our core work as the Public Health service for Sefton to continually look for ways to help protect and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents. For the past 12 months people have seen our health service working harder than ever and many people have reflected on their own health and ways they could maintain a better lifestyle not only for themselves, but for their families.
“It’s been incredibly encouraging to hear of people deciding to give up smoking and for anyone in Sefton who needs advice and support, we would urge them to take up the free services available to them through ‘Smokefree Sefton’. Giving up smoking has not only many health benefits, but can improve people’s finances as well as their general wellbeing and with support, people can give up for good in only a few months.”
Fiona Taylor, chief officer at NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Stopping smoking is the single best thing a smoker can do for their health and it’s great to see that some Sefton residents have been quitting during the COVID pandemic.
“No matter how long you’ve smoked for, no matter how many cigarettes you smoke a day, your health will start to improve as soon as you quit.
“Many smokers want to quit but aren’t sure about the best way to go about it. There is lots of free support on offer and by using the support that’s right for you, you’ll be boosting your chance of quitting.”
For free help and support, call the Smokefree Sefton team on 0300 100 1000 or free text ABL to 6227.
Living Well Sefton partners can support people to reach healthy lifestyle goals. Call 0300 323 0181 to find out how they can help you.