Bolton residents are being urged to choose a smokefree future as part of No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 11.
National No Smoking Day marks an opportunity to encourage smokers to take the first step toward a healthier, smokefree life.
Quitting can be tough, but the right support makes all the difference and people who use professional help are three times more likely to successfully stop smoking compared to going it alone.
Smokefree Bolton offers free, practical and personalised support, that gives local residents the best chance of quitting for good.
Support is delivered through trusted community services, including Your Health Bolton, who can offer free nicotine replacement therapies and vape starter kits.
Residents can also opt for mobile quit apps, as well as funded support from national providers such as Allen Carr’s Easyway Stop Smoking method.
Although smoking rates have fallen nationwide, Bolton continues to have a higher proportion of smokers than the national average with an estimated 35,000 residents still smoking daily.
This remains a serious concern, as smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease, respiratory illness, cancer, dementia, and other long term health conditions.
Across England, smoking is responsible for one in four cancer deaths and is estimated to kill up to two thirds of people who continue to smoke long term.
But the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately, and as well as improving health and wellbeing, stopping smoking can save the average smoker around £2,300 a year.
Whether it is a first attempt or the tenth, No Smoking Day is the perfect moment to try again.
Lynn Donkin, Bolton’s Director of Public Health said:
““Smoking remains one of the biggest drivers of health inequalities in Bolton, and it’s our most disadvantaged communities who feel the greatest impact.
“Our Smokefree Bolton service is here to help, offering free practical support, tools, and personalised advice to anyone who wants to quit.
“By making support easy to reach, we want to help more people take that first step, improve their health, and create a Bolton where everyone has the chance to live well.”
Cllr Jackie Schofield, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“No Smoking Day provides a great opportunity to reflect on the benefits of a smokefree life, and to encourage those considering a quit to seek help.
“Our local stop smoking services offer excellent professional support to help residents quit smoking free of charge.
“If you are thinking about making a positive change to your life, I urge you to take that first step towards quitting and use the support that is there.
“A smokefree future brings lasting benefits for your health, wellbeing, and those around you.”
Find support with Smokefree Bolton at: https://letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/smoking