Stoptober... quit smoking in 28 days

3 October 2017

If you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to be able to stay smoke-free for good.

Smoking is still the biggest cause of premature death and disease nationally and locally. In Southwark there were 790 smoking related deaths and 1,780 hospital admissions linked to smoking in 2016.

In January 2017, it was estimated that treating smoking-related illnesses costs NHS Trusts in Southwark £7.9m a year; while the wider economic burden of tobacco use across Southwark  was estimated to be far higher at approximately £66 million.

The number of adults smoking is continuing to decline across the country. In Southwark, it is estimated that 15 per cent of adults currently smoke; this is a 23 per cent reduction since 2012.

Stoptober is a national campaign that encourages smokers to quit for good. So far, more than a million people have used Stoptober to help them quit smoking.

Have you thought about quitting but are unsure of the support available?

In Southwark 20 pharmacies which provide the Southwark Stop Smoking Service are supporting Stoptober. With extended opening hours, including Saturdays, the pharmacies are geared up to help you quit. Withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage; pharmacists will be able to provide medication to help keep cravings under control. For a list of participating pharmacies can be found on our website.

If you need more intensive support, for example if you are a parent, have a long term physical health condition, a mental health condition, are pregnant or house bound, you can contact the specialist stop smoking service on 0800 769 6002.

You can also contact the Stop Smoking London Helpline provided by NHS Smokefree on 0300 123 1044 where you can speak with a trained, expert adviser  Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

Cllr Maisie Anderson, cabinet member for public health said: “Stopping smoking and staying smoke free means enjoying a longer, healthier life as well as more money in your pocket each month. Stoptober is a great way to quit smoking for good and I would really encourage anyone who has been thinking about quitting to give it a go and make the commitment this month.

“With the right support, you are four times more likely to quit than if you go it alone. In Southwark, we have great services for people who are trying to stop smoking. I encourage anyone who is thinking of quitting to go for it and get the help that you need to kick the habit for good.”

Page last updated: 03 October 2017