Stoptober 2014 Stop Smoking Challenge

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s public health team is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for Stoptober, the 28-day stop smoking challenge which starts on 1 October.

Last year, 1,130 people in the East Riding took part in the challenge, and the team is hoping even more will get involved this year.

In 2013 the campaign saw 250,000 people across the country taking part, and 65 per cent of that successfully quit smoking for 28 days.

This year’s campaign is using humour to encourage smokers to swap their fags for gags, in a promotion involving top comedians, including Paddy McGuinness and Al Murray.

In the East Riding, health promoters will be on the streets giving out information bags. Venues will include Bridlington on 22 September; Castle Hill Hospital on 25 September; Howden on 6 October; Withernsea on 14 October; Goole on 23 October and Driffield on 29 October.

Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are five times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free.

In the last year, 67 per cent of East Riding residents who set a quit date with the Hull and East Riding Stop Smoking Service successfully quit smoking at four weeks.

Stoptover provides smokers with a range of free tools, including a new stop smoking pack, a 28-day mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people quitting together through Stoptober social media channels.

Dr Tim Allison, East Riding’s director of public health, said:

“Stoptober is a great opportunity to take on the serious task of quitting smoking, but this year with a humorous background. I hope that many people will join the thousands who have already quit smoking in the East Riding.”

For further information and support, contact the Hull and East Riding Stop Smoking Service on 0800 3247111 or visit www.readytostopsmoking.org.uk.