Successful Stoptober sees 15% increase in quitters
A month-long national campaign has seen a sharp rise in the number of Devon smokers quitting, early figures have revealed.
Early indications for the second part of the year, which includes the Stoptober campaign run by NHS Devon and Devon County Council as part of a national quit smoking attempt, show a 15% increase in the number of people stopping smoking.
And the increase has been across a wide age range. 25% of the increase was for those in the age category 18-34. Figures also show the increase is more marked in men than women.
The month-long campaign included a range of support including a preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth wheel. Smokers were also given encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity mentors, and expert advice via social media.
72-year old Julia from Exeter had smoked since she was 16, and has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“I’ve tried a lot of times to give up,” she said. “I was told my COPD was getting so bad I’d need to be on oxygen if I didn’t stop. I have young grandchildren, and I felt so guilty.”
Julia joined a group for Stoptober, and received support throughout the month.
“The support was really good, and in a group there’s competition, which gave me encouragement,” she said.
“I used to have to lie down every afternoon, but I don’t need to now – I have lots more energy.”
Julia has also used the money she has saved to buy a new television, and has made an additional New Year’s resolution.
“I’m looking forward to redecorating the house in the New Year,” she said. “I want to make it look clean and fresh, and get rid of the smell of tobacco.”
In Devon, it is estimated smokers spend nearly £200m per year on tobacco and the cost to society is £191.3m.
Councillor Andrea Davis is Devon County Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Chairman of the Devon Health and Wellbeing Board.
“This is great news and shows that with the right support, people are keen to kick the habit and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“As part of our new role in public health, we need to promote opportunities for people to live healthier, longer lives. Smoking is one of the biggest factors that causes ill health, but also has a huge financial impact, not only directly on smokers’ pockets, but also through the increasing bill to the NHS, and the taxpayer, currently standing at over £2 billion per year nationally.”
Dr Virginia Pearson, Devon’s Joint Director of Public Health, said: “These early figures show a significant rise in the number of people quitting, and evidence shows us that people who stop smoking for a month are more likely to stop for good.
“This increase shows that people are keen to change their lifestyle habits with the right incentives, and with the New Year approaching now is the perfect time to make plans to quit. Help is at hand, and our stop smoking service offers plenty of support and advice.”
To find your nearest service in Devon and to get advice visit the website or call 01884 836024 to speak to a local advisor or email stopsmoking.devonpct@nhs.net
