NO SMOKING DAY - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

NO Smoking Day 2016 takes place today (Wednesday, March 9) – and people in the Crediton area are being urged to take their first step towards giving up the habit for good by contacting the Devon Stop Smoking Service for support.

The annual No Smoking Day campaign is now in its 33rd year and the theme this time is “Proud to be a Quitter”.

While studies show that two thirds of smokers want to quit, nearly one-in-five adults in the UK continue to smoke.

The NHS-led Devon Stop Smoking Service offers free, friendly and confidential support via email, telephone and face-to-face.

Greg Price, service manager, explained: “We understand that the majority of smokers want to stop smoking, but many find the task too daunting.

“No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire smokers in Crediton to quit for good. With support, they are more likely to succeed in their quit attempt.

“That’s why we are pledging our full support to No Smoking Day by educating smokers on the range of local services and resources available to them.

“Quitting smoking provides life-changing benefits, so make this the day you start to stop.

“Please call us today on 01884 836024 or email: [email protected] .”

No Smoking Day is run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and is supported by Public Health England and many other organisations.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: “Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, and that’s why the British Heart Foundation runs No Smoking Day.”

The Devon Stop Smoking Service runs a free weekly clinic at Crediton Hospital on Wednesdays (9am to 1pm), led by Angela Nurse. Appointments last 20 to 60 minutes.

The clinics are not “drop-in” sessions and anyone interested in attending must book in advance. Email and telephone support is available in the evening, as well as during the day.

The service is run by Health Promotion Devon, a specialist arm of the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Its advisers support around 1,000 people to quit smoking each year and their success rates are among the best in the country.

For more information about No Smoking Day, please visit: www.nosmokingday.org.uk .

Alan Quick