During October quit smoking specialists, ABL Health, are in Bolton libraries offering free 1-2-1 support for smokers who want to give up the habit as part of Stoptober.
Stoptober is the national NHS campaign, and this year focuses on ‘Let’s Quit Smoking Together’, which calls on smokers to try quitting for the whole of October.
This campaign is based on evidence that anyone giving up smoking for 28 days is five times more likely to quit for good.
Smokers across Bolton can simply drop into one of six local libraries and get free support from ‘Your Health Bolton’ stop smoking advisors, delivered by the ABL Health team.
The free drop-in sessions are in Bolton Central, Farnworth, Horwich, Breightmet, High Street and Little Lever Library during October, with exact timetable details available at www.yhbolton.co.uk/quit-smoking.
The sessions offer smokers the opportunity to speak directly with a trained advisor and receive personal advice and support.
Visitors can also take a simple breath test that measures toxic levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in their body as a result of smoking.
The breath tests can be a powerful motivator to quit smoking, and trained advisors are on hand to explain the results, discuss what they mean for your health, and guide you through the support options available to help you quit.
Smokers can just turn up during the advertised times and:
- Get a CO breath analyser check
- Chat confidentially with a stop smoking advisor
- Learn about the free 12-week stop smoking programme
- Discover how you can access free quit smoking aids including nicotine replacement therapy and vapes
- Arrange flexible follow-up appointments to suit individuals’ busy lifestyles
Smoking remains the single biggest behavioural cause of preventable illness and death in England.
Nearly 75,000 people in the UK die from smoking every year, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses and cancer.
Nationally, smoking is also responsible for one in four cancer deaths and is linked to the deaths of up to two-thirds of long-term smokers.
While smoking rates have gradually declined across the UK, Bolton continues to have higher than average levels of smoking.
There are an estimated 44,000 Bolton residents who smoke daily, posing a serious concern for their own health and public health services across the borough.
Quitting smoking brings immediate health benefits and can lead to substantial financial savings, with the average smoker spending around £2,000 a year on cigarettes.
Cllr Jackie Schofield, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“It’s never too late to quit smoking, and the health and wealth benefits are virtually immediate.
“Giving up smoking together is easier, especially with fully funded help along each step of the way, including accessing free nicotine replacements, vapes and support.
“Please come and chat to the advisors at the drop-ins who are delighted to help, and you can bring family and friends with you to find out how easy it is to quit smoking this Stoptober.”
Lynn Donkin, Director of Public Health at Bolton Council, said:
“Stoptober is a fantastic opportunity for smokers in Bolton to take that first step towards quitting.
“These library drop-ins offer friendly, expert support and a real chance to make a lasting change for your health.
“I encourage everyone thinking about quitting to come along and speak to an advisor.”
Find a local drop-in session here - www.yhbolton.co.uk/quit-smoking.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to get started now, you can sign up by calling (01204) 205090 or sign up via the website.