To mark the 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day tomorrow (Wednesday), communities across the Island are being encouraged to help those on their quitting journey.
The annual awareness day encourages smokers to make a quit attempt and offers a wide range of advice and support to those wishing to break the habit.
Since 1984, this day has played a vital role in reducing smoking by two-thirds, working towards the UK's goal of a smoke free nation by 2030.
There are over 5.3 million adults in England who still smoke, and smoking remains the single leading cause of preventable ill-health and early death in England. In fact, up to two in three smokers will die as a result of long-term smoking.
On the Island, more than 1,000 residents are admitted to hospital each year because of smoking.
Simon Bryant, the Island's director of Public Health, said:
"Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health.
"It’s never too late to quit smoking. When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
"We know that the majority of smokers want to quit, and with 11,000 smokers living on the Isle of Wight, No Smoking Day continues to be a crucial opportunity for Smokefree Island, your free local stop smoking service, to support those wanting to quit for good."
This year's campaign sends a clear message:
- You know you want to quit. We know you can.
- It’s never too late to quit smoking.
- When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
It’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.
Smokefree Island is a service commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council and provided by Solutions4Health.
The aims of the service are to provide an expert stop smoking service for the Island community.
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for Public Health, added:
"There is a wide range of support for those wishing to quit, so you’re not on your own and getting expert support from your local stop smoking services means you’re three times as likely to quit for good.
“The 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day is a great opportunity for you to take that vital step forward on your no smoking journey. It’s also a time for us to unite and offer encouragement and support to those on their quitting journey.
"If you or someone you know is considering quitting smoking, why not start your journey on No Smoking Day and please do take up the support that is available."
For free expert advice on quitting smoking, contact Smokefree Island at 642369 or 0800 999 1396. Alternatively, text “Quit” to 66777" or visit https://smokefreeisland.co.uk/
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