THE annual campaign to encourage smokers to stop smoking, Stoptober, is back for 2020 and LiveWire’s SmokeFree Warrington team is on hand to help as usual.
As with previous Stoptobers, this year’s drive is founded on the evidence that if a smoker can quit for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
Now in its ninth year, Stoptober will admittedly look and feel quite different to previous campaigns. Firstly, it is part of the new NHS ‘Better Health’ campaign which launched as a response to the coronavirus pandemic and is aimed at helping people kickstart improving their health by getting active, losing weight and giving up smoking.
Secondly, due to coronavirus restrictions, and to support the reduction in the spread of the virus in Warrington, LiveWire Lifestyles advisors won’t be offering advice in supermarkets or stands in the town centre this year – but that doesn’t mean you can’t get all the support, advice and products you need to help you quit. The team has been working remotely throughout the pandemic supporting the people of Warrington and will continue to do so.
Ruth Armstrong LiveWire Lifestyles Officer, Lead for SmokeFree said: “The coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on people’s overall health and also how we can deliver our usual Stoptober information and support. Changes have been made to how people can engage and make contact with us, and we are using this year’s campaign to remind people that we’re still here to support people to quit smoking via telephone or our Facebook page.
“If anyone wants to quit smoking for the first time, or if they have stopped before but have relapsed, I’d encourage them to get back in touch with us in the best interests of their physical, emotional and financial health. Our team has a fantastic record in helping people quit, so we really want to make this another successful Stoptober.
“Many people are using used the coronavirus pandemic as a motivator to quit smoking and improve their overall health, ensuring they are in the best possible position to fight any illnesses that come their way. We hope that this year’s Better Health Stoptober campaign will give people the added confidence to reach out to us and allow us to support them through their journey.”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We all know that quitting smoking isn’t easy, but with willpower, determination and the right level of support, making this significant change could be one of the best things you’ll ever do for your health.
“Now more than ever, we all need to take responsibility for our own health and do all we can to live healthier lives.
“If you’ve been considering giving up smoking, Stoptober is a great challenge and LiveWire is on hand to offer advice and guidance to help you reach your goal of being smoke-free. It’s never too late to quit, so join in this Stoptober!”
For more information on SmokeFree Warrington and the stop smoking support and services available, visit livewirewarrington.co.uk/lifestyle/stop-smoking or call 0300 003 0818.
To find out more about Stoptober and the NHS’ Better Health campaign, visit nhs.uk/stoptober
