Health chiefs call on smokers to quit

SMOKERS in Great Yarmouth and Waveney wanting to quit are being told “now is the time” by health chiefs.

Posters in bus shelters, adverts in local newspapers and radio commercials are just some of the ways being used to urge smokers to give up as part of a new campaign.

Health bosses are stepping up their tactics in a push to get 1,669 smokers in the district to quit within one year, and by doing so, meet their tough targets.

Poor rates of people giving up smoking prompted the campaign, which was launched at the start of November, and has seen huge adverts go up on billboards, such as on Pasteur Road in Great Yarmouth which warn people that children will follow their parents' example.

Mike Stonard, chief executive of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, which is running the campaign, said: “We are increasing our smoking cessation capacity and are also phoning up people who have used the service in the past but have failed.”

He added that people were four times more likely to give up if they had NHS support.

Mr Stonard said the aim was to get 1,669 smokers to give up before April, even though so far only 479 people have been recorded as giving up, with four months left.

He added: “It's a tall order but we can do it.”

He said it was too early to have statistics on the success of the campaign since it started, but said that anecdotal evidence showed that there had been a positive response so far.

Glyn McIntosh, from the charity Quit, agreed that the right support played a big part in the success or failure of smokers wanting to give up, adding: “Quitting smoking is the single most important thing people can do to improve their health. By quitting smoking and adopting a healthier lifestyle will enjoy better health, look better, increase their chances of living longer, feel less tired and have more energy. Stopping smoking is not easy but it can be done.”

Anyone wishing to give up smoking can call the local NHS helpline on 0800 085 6037.