Support for those giving up on No Smoking Day

HEALTH campaigners are gearing up for No Smoking Day 2009, a day aimed at encouraging people to stub it out for good.

Smokefree South West is hoping to see hundreds of smokers quit as part of a national campaign to drive home the health benefits of becoming smoke free.

Events will be taking place across South Devon and local NHS Stop Smoking Services and GP surgeries to provide help, support and advice to smokers who wish to quit on No Smoking Day, March 11.

Fiona Andrews from Smokefree South West said the campaign message will be driven home by customised double decker buses and interactive stalls at shopping centres and supermarkets including in Newton Abbot.

She said: "By choosing No Smoking Day as your quit date, South West smokers will be joining millions of others across the UK taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

"You're four times more likely to succeed in your quit attempt when using a free NHS Stop Smoking Service, and with over 1,000 access points to services in the South West, there is always free help and support nearby to help people to quit permanently."

Mrs Andrews said with the cost of smoking going up and the credit crunch biting hard, now was the time to quit.

She added: "With the credit crunch firmly biting, it's little surprise millions of smokers across the UK will be taking the opportunity to quit and to see the savings stack up."

On March 11 there will be a staffed information stand giving away freebies and providing stop smoking advice at Asda in Newton Abbot.

For more information on quitting call the NHS Smoking helpline on 0800 707 6543 or text NEARBY and your postcode to 88088.