Bury smokers urged to be quitters on No Smoking Day 2016

Smokers in Bury are being urged to take the first step in giving up cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day on Wednesday 9 March.

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

This year’s No Smoking Day theme is ‘Proud to be a Quitter’.In life we’re told never to give up – but when it comes to smoking - being a ‘Quitter’ is actually a good thing.

On No Smoking Day and throughout March Bury Lifestyle Service will be visiting Children’s centres across the borough offering their support to staff and people from the local community.

Rebecca Caygill, Manager at Bury Lifestyle Service said “On No Smoking Day and throughout the month of March the Lifestyle Service will be visiting children’s centres across the borough to help local smokers with becoming ‘quitters’.We know that most smokers do want to stop smoking and we’re here to help and inspire smokers to do just that.

“If you smoke and want help with accessing local services and resources that will make it easier for you to quit for good – come along this month to your nearest Children’s centre or get in touch with Bury Lifestyle Service.”

To contact Bury Lifestyle Service phone 0161 253 7554, email lifestyleservice@bury.gov.uk or follow the service on twitter (@LifestyleBury) or Facebook (LifestyleService).

The annual No Smoking Day campaign is run by the British Heart Foundation.Using inspirational stories of ex-smokers to highlight the life-changing benefits of quitting, each year the campaign inspires hundreds of thousands of smokers make a quite attempt on No Smoking Day.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, 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. We’re encouraging smokers to mark Wednesday 9 March in their calendars, and take the first step towards a smoke-free life.”

To receive information and support on stopping smoking visit nosmokingday.org.uk and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NoSmokingDay.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

While studies show that two-thirds of smokers want to quit, nearly one in five UK adults continue to smoke (Statistics from ASH fact sheet. Facts at a glance – smoking statistics. April 2014).

About No Smoking Day

No Smoking Day merged with the British Heart Foundation in 2011. The annual No Smoking Day campaign, which is now in its 33^rd year, inspires and helps smokers who want to quit, and is supported by an alliance of UK health bodies and charities. For more information about the No Smoking Day campaign, visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk

About the British Heart Foundation

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. For more information on the BHF, visit www.bhf.org.uk