This October, smokers are encouraged to take a positive step towards a healthier future by joining thousands of others in setting 1 October as their quit date.

Stoptober is an annual national campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days in October. Research shows that if you stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stop smoking for good.

Take back control of your health – you can do it

The message for this year’s campaign is one of hope. Whether you’ve attempted to quit before or have only just considered it, it’s never too late to quit smoking. Quitting is the best single thing you can do for your health. Your body starts repairing itself the day you stop smoking, and the benefits build over time. Quitting not only improves your respiratory health but also enhances your mental wellbeing. You should also see a healthy improvement in your bank balance!

Quitting smoking brings remarkable health benefits that can transform your life. Within just 48 hours, your body will have flushed out all harmful carbon monoxide, and by the end of the first year, your risk of a heart attack is reduced to 50% compared to that of a smoker. These encouraging milestones highlight the incredible journey towards a healthier, smoke-free life.

Specialist support is here for you

Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it’s much easier with the right help. Local services are here to provide all the support smokers need to quit for good.

Herefordshire’s Healthy Lifestyles Team (HLT) is offering free, professional support to anyone wanting to quit smoking this October. Trained stop smoking practitioners are ready to provide advice, guidance, and resources – including NRT and reusable vape starter kits – tailored to each individual’s needs. There are many different support options available, and you can try a combination that works for you. The goal is to encourage as many local smokers as possible to set 1 October as their quit date.

How to get help

Anyone looking to quit can contact Herefordshire’s Healthy Lifestyles Team at:

With the right support, you can improve your health, increase your life expectancy, and reduce the risk of illness for both yourself and your loved ones. Stoptober 2024 is your chance to take that step and start a smoke-free future!

For more details, visit: Talk Community Stop Smoking Support.

Published: 24th September 2024