No Smoking Day Press Release

TWO DAYS TO GO – HUNDREDS OF SWINDON SMOKERS PREPARE TO QUIT ON NO SMOKING DAY

Make your fresh start on No Smoking Day 2007!

HUNDREDS of smokers in Swindon are expected to stub out their final cigarette on No Smoking day– Wednesday 14^th March.

Free NHS Stop smoking services and pharmacies across the borough are preparing to help smokers in Swindon, as they join an estimated two million others across the UK kick the habit.

This year’s theme, ‘make a fresh start’, give smokers the opportunity to quit and start a new healthy lifestyle. With the smokefree legislation coming into force on July 1st many smokers will use No Smoking Day as their opportunity to get a head start and stop smoking.

Cherry Jones, NHS stop smoking co ordinator, said:” Twenty-seven per cent of adults in Swindon smoke and research shows that seven out of ten smokers say they want to give up.

“No smoking day provides an excellent opportunity for them to do that. People are four times more likely to be successful in quitting by using the services.”

Ben Youdan, Chief Executive of No Smoking Day, the charity behind the annual health awareness campaign, says: “Good luck to all smokers who are serious about making a fresh start this No Smoking Day.  Stopping smoking is the ultimate lifestyle overhaul.  You’ll feel fitter, healthier and have more energy and money! A 20 a day smoker could save up to £1,800. Using help support of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service you can make it four times more likely that you will stay smoke free!”

Here are some top tips to help you:

• Call your local FREE stop smoking service on 0800 389 2229 for help, support, and advice you need
• Get some Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as patches or gum. It can double your chance of stopping – talk to your GP ot pharmasist
• Write down all the reasons why you want to stop and stick it on the fridge to help you stay motivated
• Talk to your friends, family and workmates – support from them is essential – why not quit together and keep each other motivated?

The PCT is part of the ‘Smoke–free Swindon’ partnership working towards a smoke-free town. The PCT runs a free stop smoking service, by calling 0800 389 2229, where the team can give you advice, information and support on quitting and further details on how we can help, including details on your nearest groups and support advisors. Nicotine patches and gum are available on prescription. Visit the smoke free Swindon website at www.smokefreeswindon.org.uk

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Notes to editors:

No Smoking Day (NSD) is organised by a charity of the same name run by four full time staff. Based in London, the charity is funded by a coalition of governmental and voluntary sector organisations with an interest in health. NSD aims to help people who want to stop smoking by creating a supportive environment for them, and by highlighting the many sources of help available to people who want to quit.

Now in its 24th year it is a firm fixture in the UK calendar because of its popularity amongst smokers and continued success. Three quarters of smokers would like to stop and on NSD over a million try. NSD isn't just about the Day. Stopping smoking requires much planning, encouragement, support and motivation. Helping others to prepare to quit can be done year round, but the Day provides an excellent focus and motivation for many smokers to stop.

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Press enquiries:

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact Kirsty Brain, Communications Manager on 01793 708761 or email Kirsty.brain@swindon-pct.nhs.uk