Stoptober is back for its 10th year.

We are encouraging smokers in Torbay to join the 2.3 million others who have made an attempt to quit with Stoptober since it launched a decade ago.

This Friday marks the start of Stoptober and the nation’s biggest attempt to stop smoking.

Currently there are over 6 million adults in England that smoke, and it remains the leading cause of premature death, with almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year.

A new nationwide survey of 2,000 current smokers released recently has found that nearly half (45%) have been smoking more since the first lockdown began.

Smoking can make people more vulnerable to colds, flu and COVID-19 as it gives people reduced immunity. As we head into the winter season there couldn’t be a better time to quit to protect yourself and those around you.

Between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021 there were 334 successful quitters in Torbay, with the majority being in the 18-34 and 45-49 age ranges.

Torbay’s Director of Public Health Dr Lincoln Sargeant said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the health of the people close to you. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK and if you are a smoker and thinking about quitting, or know someone who is wanting to quit, then Stoptober is a great way to get the ball rolling.”                                                                          

Not only will quitting be beneficial for your health, allow you start moving better, breath more easily but it will also be great for your finances.

Join the thousands of others and start your quitting journey this October.

Free local NHS advice on how to stop smoking. 

Search ‘Stoptober’ for more information or visit the NHS website. 

Alternatively, you can contact your local services for help and advice on 0300 456 1006 or visit the Healthy Lifestyles website.