Can you help others make a change for good on No Smoking Day?
All smokers in Oxfordshire can now access free support to quit from the County Council’s specialist stop smoking service – Stop for Life Oxon.
As part of a brand-new national initiative, it is now offering free one-to-one personalised support including the provision of free rechargeable vapes. Those looking to quit smoking can now choose to join the 30-day challenge and get a free vape starter kit alongside help from a coach.
The stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon, has already helped thousands of people across Oxfordshire quit smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies. With the free support, people are three times more likely to quit smoking.
Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Cigarettes are one of the most harmful products on the market – killing up to two of every three lifelong smokers. For a 20-a-day smoker, it costs on average £384 per month and over £4600 per year.
“However, the positive impact of stopping smoking is immediate – with lung function and circulation improving in a few weeks, the risk of a heart attack drastically falling within one year, and the risk of cancer reducing in subsequent years, compared with someone who continued smoking. You can also experience better taste and smell, less stress, and protect your loved ones and your pets from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
“Rechargeable vapes are a great tool for adults to help with quitting smoking. They are almost twice as effective as other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, and I personally know people have managed to quit this way. Stop for Life Oxon can support you to access a free kit to help you on your journey to quitting your smoking habit for good.”
Help us and be in with the chance of winning £50
Ex-smokers and those who have decided to switch cigarettes for a vape are also being encouraged to share their story and be in with a chance of winning £50.
A new questionnaire is asking those who have given up cigarettes in the county to share their stories to inspire others to quit. Just one positive story or a short conversation could be the motivation that somebody needs. Those who take part in the survey could stand to win one of five prizes of £50.
Councillor Ley continued: “We also want people to help us inspire other Oxfordshire residents by telling us how and why they quit. Why did you quit? Was it to improve your health or finances, or perhaps for a family or a loved one? Had you been through a cycle of quitting and starting again – how did you succeed? Did anyone support you?”
“We are really keen to hear about people’s experiences of quitting smoking cigarettes and would love to share these with other people to motivate them.”
The questionnaire will be open for 30 days, running alongside a campaign to encourage current smokers to try the 30-day challenge and will be closing on 10 April.
To get involved and find out more about the survey, visit Oxfordshire County Council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.
Find out more about the support on offer to help Oxfordshire residents quit smoking for good by visiting the Stop for Life Oxon website, the Best You mobile app, or phoning 0800 122 3790.
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