Smokers urged to stub it out this Stoptober as quitting rate in Wakefield rises

Smoking rates in the Wakefield district have fallen in recent years, mirroring the trend seen nationally and regionally, however, it still remains much higher than the national average.

In Wakefield, 16.7 per cent of the adult population are smokers compared to 13.9 per cent nationally.

Each year, smoking is attributable for around a third of deaths in the Wakefield district and 4,700 hospital admissions are linked to smoking.

This Stoptober, smokers in England are being encouraged to put their lungs first, strengthen their immune system and breathe easier ahead of flu season by joining over two million smokers who have made a quit attempt since 2012 with the annual campaign.

Smoking damages the lungs and airways and harms the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to infections, such as flu.

Smokers generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infections and experiencing more severe symptoms.

Stopping smoking brings immediate benefits to health, including for people with an existing smoking-related disease.

Coun Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re supporting the national Stoptober campaign this year to encourage as many smokers in the district to quit throughout October and beyond.

“So I’d encourage people to check out the Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield website, or search for 'Stoptober' to get the help they need.”

Anna Hartley, Director for Public Health at Wakefield Council, said: “Stoptober runs throughout October and there’s a lot of help and advice available on how to quit.

“Giving up is not easy, but we do know that people are three times as likely to quit smoking than by using willpower alone if they use a local stop smoking service, such as Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield.

"The service is currently still very much open to support people to quit smoking and despite currently not being able to offer face to face appointments at the moment, they are using innovative ways to engage and communicate with people wanting to quit smoking.

“Approximately a third of deaths in Wakefield are attributed to smoking. By giving up, smokers can dramatically reduce their chances of having a heart attack or stroke.”

Stoptober provides the information and support people need to quit smoking for 28 days, based on research that if a smoker can make it to 28 days smoke-free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

This year, Stoptober is offering a range of free support tools for those looking to quit, including digital services that are easily accessible for those looking for online support. These tools include the Stoptober app, Facebook messenger bot and online communities, SMS and daily emails. There is also a Personal Quit Plan that helps people find a combination of stop smoking support that’s right for them, with options including expert support from local Stop Smoking Services, stop smoking aids and digital tools.

Search ‘Stoptober’ now for a full range of quitting support options.

If you need help to quit smoking, please contact Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield on 0800 612 0011 free from a landline, 0330 660 1166 free from most mobiles or visit wakefield.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk