Smokers in Croydon are being encouraged to sign up to Stoptober from Sunday 1 October and join the thousands across the country who are getting support to quit smoking for good.

The Public Health England campaign, now in its sixth year, is the biggest mass-quit attempt in the country, having kick-started over a million quit attempts to date. Stoptober is based on research that shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to completely give up the habit.

Residents can get help from a range of free Stoptober quit tools including an app, daily emails and Facebook Messenger. They can also receive support from an online community on Facebook. In addition, there is expert local advice at Croydon’s online health platform – www.justbecroydon.org  – which also offers the face-to-face local service Just Live Well for those who are eligible.

Brian[1] was recently supported on his stop-smoking journey by advisers from the Just Live Well service. The 46-year-old spoke to them about his barriers to quitting and was given tips to handle situations that might tempt him to smoke. A key motivation for him to quit was his desire to be more active and improve his mental health. Brian has successfully remained smoke-free for more than three months.

People in Croydon can access the Stoptober website via a unique link at http://po.st/Stop17_Croydon or by searching ‘Stoptober’.

Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care

“Smoking is the top cause of health inequalities in Croydon. We’re helping our residents, in a number of ways, to feel happier and healthier by supporting them to take more control of their overall well-being.

“Stoptober is a great initiative with a successful track record for getting smokers to take those first steps towards a smoke-free life. No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, giving up will make you feel healthier. You could also save around £250 each month if you’re a pack-a-day smoker. And, importantly, your loved ones are protected from harmful second-hand smoke.”

Fewer people are now indulging in the habit, and smoking prevalence in Croydon is currently at 13%[2]. In 2016, 15.5% of adults in England aged over 18 years were smokers, down from 19.9% in 2010. Prevalence since 2010 has declined most among younger age groups[3].

Recent data from the University College of London shows quitting success rates at their highest for at least a decade, up to 19.8% for the first six months of this year, significantly higher than the average for the past 10 years (15.7%)[4].

According to the latest quit-rate figures, cigarette smoking in London is currently on track to end by 2030[5]. Perhaps now is the time for Croydon smokers to give Stoptober a go this October.

 

[1] Name has been changed.

[2] https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/tobacco-control/data#page/0/gid/1938132885/pat/6/par/E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000008

[3] http://www.content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB2422

[4] UCL report: Quit-succees rates in England 2007-2017; Jamie Brown PhD, and Robert West PhD.

[5] Annual population survey (local tobacco control profiles) – http://adph.org.uk/networks/london/2017/09/08/cigarette-smoking-in-london-will-end-by-2030-according-to-latest-figures/