Adult smokers in Hastings almost nine percent higher than national average

East Sussex County Council is backing the national Stoptober campaign, which encourages smokers to quit for 28 days during October.

The move comes as latest figures show that more than 25 per cent of adults in Hastings regularly smoke.

This is almost nine per cent higher than the national average, which stands at 16.9 per cent.

Neighbouring Rother’s figure is 15.7 per cent and for East Sussex as a whole, the average is 18 per cent, according to data from Local Tobacco Profiles 2016,

Stoptober is based on research which shows people who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to quit the habit for good.

People taking part in the initiative can benefit from a range of support via an app, email and social media, including Facebook Messenger.

They can also find out more about face-to-face support local stop smoking services can offer, and the different types of stop smoking aids available, including patches and e-cigarettes.

Cynthia Lyons, East Sussex acting director of public health, said: “We all know that smoking is bad for our health. In fact it’s the biggest cause of preventable deaths across the country but stopping can be difficult.

“Quitting for 28 days is an achievable target and once someone passes this relatively modest milestone they’re far more likely to stop for good, improving their health and possibly adding years to their life.

“By taking up the Stoptober challenge, people can benefit from the wide range of support available to help them quit, and also have the added boost of knowing they’re joining thousands of people across the country in making a positive change to their life.”

Specialist stop smoking advisors Quit 51 offer friendly advice and support to anyone thinking about quitting and can be contacted online at www.quit51.co.uk or by calling 0800 622 6968.

More information about Stoptober is available online at stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk.

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