Apps, Chatbots and face-to-face support - 7 ways to help you quit smoking this Stoptober
It's almost October - aka 'Stoptober' - when thousands of people across the country are challenged to stop smoking for 28 days.
And those that make it through those four weeks are five times more likely to quit for good.
Up for giving it a try? Here are seven ways (with clickable links) that might help you succeed.
1. Download the Stoptober App
Available from the AppStore and Google Play, the Stoptober app shows how much you're saving and can help distract you in those weak moments creep in.
2. Get email support
You can sign-up to a daily email pep talk full of advice, tips and motivation to help keep your quit attempt on track.
3. Join a Facebook Group/message a Chatbot
You don't have to do it alone. Talk with others in a 225,000 strong Facebook Group or message a Chatbot that always replies anytime, day or night.
4. Get a personal quit plan
If you've tried to quit before but found yourself going back, you can create a personal quit plan that offers the right mix of support for you.
5. Get face to face support through your local Stop Smoking Service
A team of specialist advisors with vast experience of helping people quit is at your disposal at locations across the Borough.
6. Try an e-cigarette instead
E-cigarettes are now one of the most popular products amongst smokers trying to quit, with Public Health England (PHE) review concluding UK regulated nicotine products are 95 per cent less harmful to health than tobacco.
7. Manage cravings with prescription tablets and other stop smoking aids
Stop smoking aids can help you manage nicotine cravings and other tobacco withdrawal symptoms and there's good evidence to show they increase your chances of success, especially when combined with face-to-face support.
Councillor Jim Beall, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "Everyone who's ever quit smoking has started with a first step and Stoptober is as good an excuse as any to take it.
"In fact, it's the perfect time to try because there'll be lots of other people in the same boat as you and that in itself can provide motivation and comfort.
"There are more ways to quit than ever nowadays - of course everybody's different so if you're keen to kick the habit I'd suggest having a look through the options and seeing what works best for you."
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