Stop smoking

Devon’s smokers are going from strength-to-strength, giving up the ‘evil weed’, so says a report by the NHS and county council

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A month-long national campaign has seen a sharp rise in the number of Devon smokers kicking the habit.

Early indications for the second part of the year, which includes the Stoptober campaign run by NHS Devon and Devon County Council (DCC), shows a 15 per cent increase in the number of people stopping smoking.

The increase has been across a wide age range – with 25 per cent of those quitting in the age 18-to-34 category.

Councillor Andrea Davis, DCC lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is great news and shows that with the right support, people are keen to kick the habit and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Dr Virginia Pearson, Devon’s joint director of public health, added: “This increase shows that people are keen to change their lifestyle habits with the right incentives, and with the New Year approaching now is the perfect time to make plans to quit. “

Figures show the increase was more marked in men than women.

The month-long campaign included a range of support including a preparation pack, 28-day ‘quit calendar’ and ‘health and wealth wheel’.

In Devon, it is estimated smokers spend nearly £200 million-a-year on tobacco and the cost to society is £191.3 million.

To find your nearest stop smoking service in Devon and to get advice call 01884 836024 or e-mail stopsmoking.devonpct@nhs.net.