"It could be the best decision you make this year": Smokers in the Borough urged to sign up to 'Stoptober'

The campaign is now in its tenth year and since 2012 there have been thousands across the country who've managed to stop smoking for good after taking part.

Smoking damages the lungs as well as harming the immune system, leaving smokers more vulnerable to the flu and other respiratory infections.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "Lots of people gave up smoking during the height of coronavirus restrictions but have slipped into bad habits again. This is a great chance to once more try to quit.

"I was a smoker myself for too many years and I know that it's staying stopped once you've decided to quit which can be particularly difficult. But there's research showing you're five times more likely to quit smoking for good if you can make it through the challenge of Stoptober - so I'd urge everyone to give it a go.

"Smoking puts you at risk of so many health problems, including many different forms of cancer and more severe complications of coronavirus. And smoking during pregnancy can restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby - as a result, their heart must beat harder every time you smoke.

"It's never too late to quit and if you do manage to stop then there's the added incentive of the physical and financial benefits to enjoy.

"It could be the best decision you make this year and I'd certainly encourage anyone taking part to make use of the range of help which is available."

I want to take part in Stoptober! What help can I get?

Many people attempt to quit using willpower alone but there are lots of handy tips and tools available if you're taking on the Stoptober challenge:

• Download the free NHS Stoptober app where you can track your progress, see how much money you're saving and access daily support throughout October.
• If you'd like to speak to a trained advisor, contact the Stockton Stop Smoking Specialist Service on 01642 383819 or 01642 383818 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• Drop-in clinics are being reintroduced across the Borough. Contact the Stockton Stop Smoking Specialist Service for more details.
• Speak to your midwife about extra support available if you are pregnant and want to quit.
• Join the official Facebook group with more than 12,000 like-minded people to share your story and read the inspirational success of others.
• Get a free, personal quit plan from the NHS.
• Find out more about stop smoking aids to help you manage your cravings.