People are being encouraged to find out how they can give up smoking for good this No Smoking Day.

Medway Council is supporting National No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 10 which is led by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health).

Since 2012, Medway Council’s Stop Smoking Service has supported more than 24,000 residents wanting to stub out the habit.

The number of smokers in Medway has almost halved since 2012 to 14.1% of residents. The number of women smoking during pregnancy is also falling. The number of women smoking at the time of delivery has reduced from 19% in 2012 to 15.2% in 2019/2020.

Medway’s free Stop Smoking Service provides a range of support for people who want to quit smoking including an app, specialist online support and a text to quit messaging service.

The Medway Stop Smoking Service has continued to provide support and advice to residents throughout the pandemic including through weekly telephone calls and online support.

Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s portfolio holder covering public health, said: “We are pleased to be supporting No Smoking Day.

"We understand that quitting smoking isn’t easy but our Medway Stop Smoking Service provides a range of support to help smokers stub out the habit for good.

"Smokers are three times more likely to quit with help and I would encourage residents to find out more about the support available.”

Jason Mahoney, health and wellbeing programme lead for PHE South East, said: “The pandemic has meant the last year has been incredibly challenging and stressful for many, however, No Smoking Day provides an opportunity for smokers to try and quit – regardless of how many times you may have tried in the past.

"Now more than ever before, there are a host of quit smoking aids and free support services available and evidence shows you are more likely to quit with support from a local stop smoking service than if you try to go it alone.

"Smokers who quit for six weeks or more are happier and experience less anxiety and depression than those who carry on smoking. Quitting really is the best thing a smoker can do for their physical and mental health.”

For more information about Medway’s Stop Smoking Service, visit medway.gov.uk/smokefree

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