Stoptober is back, encouraging smokers across Bolton to take the first step towards a healthier, smokefree future.
The national NHS campaign challenges smokers to quit for 28 days in October, with evidence showing that people who remain smokefree for four weeks are five times more likely to quit for good.
Smokers are being encouraged to access Bolton's free community stop smoking service, where they can receive 12 weeks of free behavioural support, personalised advice and evidence-based quit aids, including nicotine replacement therapies, vaping kits and stop smoking medication.
Stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, with benefits beginning almost immediately.
Every year, thousands of people successfully quit and reduce their risk of serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.
Smoking rates have fallen significantly in recent years, showing that more people are choosing a smokefree life.
In Bolton, thousands of residents have already quit, and with around 35,000 people still smoking in the borough, there is a real opportunity for many more to benefit from the free support available locally.
Quitting smoking can be life changing, as well as adding years to life, many people find they breathe more easily, have more energy, experience improvements in their mental wellbeing and enjoy a better quality of life.
The financial benefits can be significant too, with the average smoker spending around £3,000 a year on cigarettes, meaning quitting can free up money for family life, hobbies, bills, holidays and other priorities.
Whether you're making your first quit attempt or trying again, support is available every step of the way.
Cllr Jackie Schofield, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“It’s never too late to give up smoking, and Stoptober is a great opportunity to try and give it up for good.
“If you smoke why not give Bolton’s free quitting service a go, the free nicotine replacements, vapes and personalised support makes it far easier than going it alone and boosts your chances of success.
“The potential health and wealth benefits to you and your family could be huge, so get the free support with Smokefree Bolton while you can.”
Residents can find everything they need to start their smokefree journey, including local stop smoking support, quit aids and expert advice, by visiting the Smokefree Bolton Hub at www.letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/smoking