Can you take up the 28-day challenge to quit smoking?

The event will be launched by the local Mayor Trevor Foster and Mayoress Angela Foster in Scunthorpe town centre on Saturday, September 20, at 10am.

Smokers in North Lincolnshire are being offered full professional support to quit smoking which is completely free.

The countdown to Stoptober 2014 has begun and Smokefreelife North Lincolnshire is taking to the town centre to let people know that they can be offered free support to quit smoking. With under a month to go until the beginning of the 28 day challenge, Smokefreelife North Lincolnshire is reaching out to local people of Scunthorpe to encourage them to give up the habit for good.

The Stoptober campaign is a government initiative to reduce smoking in the UK and was launched in 2012 to motivate the UK’s 10 million smokers to stop smoking for 28 days. Current research shows that people who stop smoking during this time are five times more likely to remain smoke free.

At the event on Saturday, stop smoking advisors will be on hand to offer advice and free CO monitoring. Smokefreelife North Lincolnshire offer a tailor made programme of support from specialist stop smoking advisors to help people quit.

The day will include free smoothies, a stilt walker and balloon modelling, plus entertainment from local musicians.

Coun Rob Waltham, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This campaign is a great way to reduce the amount of people who smoke within our local community. Not only does Stoptober provide free support and advice for those who feel need it, it also provides the first step for a smoker to improve their health, and ensure that they stop smoking for good.”

Laura Taylor, Locality Coordinator of Smokefreelife North Lincolnshire said: “Stoptober is the perfect time to motivate people to quit smoking. As smoking remains one of the leading causes of premature death in North Lincolnshire and the UK, providing free support to smokers can help reduce the risk of people developing smoking related illnesses.

“We are very excited about the launch of our mobile stop smoking clinic, as this will help us take support into the heart of the community and make the service accessible to all, particularly for smokers in hard to reach areas.”

Jacqueline Ralph, Public Health Improvement and Operations Manager, said: “Stopping smoking is the single most important thing that any smoker can do to improve their health. Stoptober 2013 proved to be a great success and this year’s challenge could be just the push people need to try and kick the habit. Smokers are five times more likely to stay smoke free if they can give up for 28 days and Smokefreelife North Lincolnshire has a range of options available to help members of the local community become smoke free.

Now in its third year, Stoptober has proven to be a successful national campaign in motivating people to quit as it creates a sense of solidarity during a difficult period. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to quit to take up support available to them.

For free support to quit smoking contact a stop smoking advisor on 0800 7723249/ 01724 642014 or text QUIT to 66777