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Smokers in Herts encouraged to swap fags for gags this October

 Published on: 8th September 2014   |   By: The Newsdesk   |   Category: Uncategorized

Stoptober is back and this year Hertfordshire County Council is joining some of the country’s top comedians to help smokers get through the 28 day quitting challenge. Top British comedians including Paddy McGuiness, Al Murray, Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson) and Andi Osho will be using a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters get through this difficult and daunting challenge. Smoking is no laughing matter and neither is quitting. According to a recent national survey two thirds of smokers say they want to quit but only four in ten have tried to quit in the past year. This year’s campaign builds on the success of last year’s challenge which saw some 250,000 people across the country take part, with an amazing 65 per cent successfully ditching cigarettes for 28 days. In Hertfordshire more than 5,000 took on the challenge and we are hoping even more will get involved this year. Cllr Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Localism and Public Health, said: “Quitting smoking can be tough, but Stoptober has proved to be a great way for smokers to take their first steps towards a healthier, smoke-free life. Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette they are five times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free. So if you smoke, why not join thousands of others in Hertfordshire in taking the Stoptober challenge and stop smoking and start smiling. “If you do decide to take on the challenge, we’d really love to hear from you. Tweet us @hertscc or email stopsmokingservice@hertscc.gcsx.gov.uk and share your Stoptober experiences.” A three-week recruitment campaign starts today (Monday 8 September) to get as many smokers as possible ready to quit when Stoptober begins for real on 1 October. In Hertfordshire the council’s Stop Smoking service will be supporting the national campaign with a series of roadshows, which will take place in Hemel Hempstead,  Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Watford. They will also be working closely with local GPs to encourage people to sign up. Anyone who signs up for the challenge will be provided with a range of free tools including a new stop smoking pack, a mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping, along with the encouragement and support from thousands of people quitting together through Stoptober’s social media channels. To find out more about local stop smoking services call 0800 389 3 998 or 01442 453071 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/healthinherts and for more information about the national campaign search ‘Stoptober’ online. Are you planning to give up smoking in October? Email tim@mynewsmag.co.uk

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