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Get on the Smokefree
Liverpool bus
A new service to encourage people in
Liverpool to stop smoking is being launched. Smokefree Liverpool, commissioned
by Public Health Liverpool, will see a series of events taking place across the
City over the next month, including a specially commissioned community 'Smokefree
bus' which will visit communities offering help and advice to people to
quit.
As well as the vast health benefits of quitting, people who give up save on
average around £2,000 per year.
Smokefree Liverpool, which replaces the Roy Castle FagEnds service, offers a
choice of free help and support including face to face support from friendly
advisors, selected local pharmacies plus phone and text support. They also offer
support for those wanting to quit e-cigarettes.
Last year, 6,307 people in Liverpool signed up for stop smoking support, with
almost 50% still successful after 4 weeks.
Councillor Paul Brant, Cabinet member for health, said:- "Stopping smoking
is the biggest thing you can do to benefit your health, with 50% of smokers
dying early. So whether you're looking to prevent future ill health, increase
your energy and improve your breathing or would simply like more money in your
pocket, I would urge people to sign up."
Dr Sandra Davies, Liverpool's Director of Public Health, said:- "We know
that the vast majority of smokers in Liverpool are keen to quit and there is
lots of support to help. If you have tried unsuccessfully to stop smoking
before, it doesn't matter, sooner or later you will be successful if you are
determined enough and have the right support."
Around 1 in 4 people in Liverpool still smoke, and figures compiled by ASH
(Action on Smoking and Health) estimate the overall cost of smoking on the City is approximately £148.8m. This includes £22.3m costs to the NHS and £68.7m for
smoking breaks and loss of productivity from sick days.
People wanting to give up smoking can get in touch with Smokefree Liverpool in
the following ways:-
By calling:- 0800 061 4212.
Going
online.
Via emailing:-
info@smokefreeliverpool.co.uk.
Sending a text:- 'QUIT' to 66777.
The Smokefree Bus will
be in the following locations each day during October:-
►
Monday -
8.30am to 11.30am, at the Johnson Controls Speke, 25 Estuary Blvd, L24 8RF.
► Tuesday -
11.30am to 2pm, at the Tesco West Derby, Deysbrook Lane, L12 8RF.
► Thursday -
10am to 12 noon, at The Bridge Community Centre, 2 Daneville Rd, Walton, L4 9RG.
► Friday -
9.30 to 11.30am, at the West Speke Health Centre, Blacklock Hall Road, Speke, L24
3TY.
There will also be Smokefree Liverpool events
from 9am to 4pm, on Church Street, on Saturday, 8 October 2016 and in Williamson Square,
on Saturday, 15 October 2016, as well as on Saturday, 22 October 2016, with staff available to give
advice and support. |
