Oxfordshire County Council to help people quit smoking the ‘Easyway’

A free and clinically proven programme to help people quit smoking is being piloted by Oxfordshire County Council.

The council is trialling the innovative, drug-free Allen Carr’s Easyway (ACE) method as part of ambitions to make the county smoke free.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Our smoke free ambitions are a real priority for the council, and this pilot will be complementing our current smoking cessation offer from Stop for Life Oxon.

“If we can achieve our aims, we’ll have helped to improve the health and wellbeing of Oxfordshire residents, while also reducing pressure and costs on social care and the NHS. 

“This pilot is an exciting opportunity to provide an innovative and clinically proven intervention programme to the residents of Oxfordshire.”

“I’d urge smokers living in Oxfordshire, who are interested, to book a slot on the programme and give it a go.”

The treatment is quick, usually taking five hours through live group seminars. Shorter backup sessions, telephone support and email support are provided for those who require them. It can also be accessed easily using smartphones, tablets or laptops.

ACE is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy endorsed by NICE and the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Published studies have shown that ACE can help smokers kick the habit long-term and has already helped an estimated 50 million people quit smoking over the last 40 years. The evidence base supporting the method is compelling.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of ill-health and death in the UK and increases the risk of developing serious health conditions. Smoking is also a major contributing factor to health inequalities.

To find out more about ACE, including how to book a slot, visit the Easyway website.

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