Want to stop smoking? Get the help you need

Smokers are being urged to put the light out on their habit as part of a national campaign.
Smokers are being urged to quit next week.Smokers are being urged to quit next week.
Smokers are being urged to quit next week.

Health chiefs across Kirklees are backing national No Smoking Day, which takes place on Wednesday.

They have joined forces with the council and stop smoking services to highlight the need to kick the habit.

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Dr David Kelly, chairman of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We understand that the majority of smokers want to stop smoking, but many find the task too daunting.

“No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire smokers in Kirklees to quit for good.”

This year’s No Smoking Day theme is Proud to be a Quitter, which is encouraging smokers that quitting is a good thing.

The CCG says studies show that 21 per cent of people in Kirklees smoke but more than half of those want to quit,

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The annual campaign is run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), and encourages hundreds of thousands of smokers to make a quit attempt on No Smoking Day.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at BHF, said: “Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, and that’s why the British Heart Foundation runs No Smoking Day.

“We’re encouraging smokers to mark Wednesday, March 9, in their calendars, and take the first step towards a smoke-free life.”

Stop smoking services offer a number of ways to quit using the telephone, online or face-to-face appointments with advisors.

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Advisors help people create quit plans for six weeks offering behavioural and medication support.

Coun Viv Kendrick, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for prevention, early intervention and vulnerable adults said: “This campaign lets smokers know that they’re never alone as thousands of people will be attempting to quit for good.

“Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but you’re much more likely to kick the habit with support.

“There’s a range of services and resources available locally in Kirklees to help you succeed.

“These services, together with your own determination, means you could live a healthier and wealthier lifestyle.”

Visit www.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk