Public Health leaders at Calderdale Council are supporting the regional Yes to Quit campaign, which asks ‘What will you miss?’, highlighting that 2 in 3 smokers will die too soon, unless they quit.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable ill health and death, costing the Yorkshire and Humber region an estimated £4.53 billion annually, including £197 million in NHS costs for treating smoking-related diseases.
While smoking rates have declined in recent years, 11.7% of adults in Calderdale still smoke. This is lower than the national average of 12.4%, but data shows that smoking rates are much higher than average in certain population groups. For example, 24.2% of people in Calderdale with a long-term mental health condition smoke, which is more than double the average rate.
The hard-hitting Yes to Quit campaign has now launched across TV, radio, transport links and social media, focusing on the momentous moments smokers could miss due to smoking-related premature death, such as weddings, births or quality time with others.
It also highlights the range of support that is offered in the region, with locally-commissioned services offering the best chance of success to quit for good.
In Calderdale there are a range of options to suit everyone. These include:
- In person: Regular face-to-face meetings with an advisor and regular carbon monoxide readings to help you chart your progress
- On the phone: Regular phone calls with an advisor to support you on your journey to becoming smoke free.
- Online Quit plan: this is an online personal action plan taking you through the stages of preparing to stop; stopping and staying stopped. Having a plan makes it easier to stop and it’s easy to access the online booklet and complete a short form to set you on your way
- Video calls: If you can’t attend in person but would like some one-to-one support then this can be done via a video link.
Yorkshire Smokefree offers up to 12 weeks free support with medication such as nicotine replacement products, licenced stop smoking medications and vapes to help you beat your addiction.Visit calderdale.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk(external link) to find out more.
Calderdale Council’s Director for Public Health, Debs Harkins, said:
“Smoking can have a devastating effect on your health and the health of those around you. This campaign highlights the milestone moments in the lives of a loved one, that people who smoke could sadly miss due to premature death or illness. It asks the question, ‘What will you miss?’ encouraging people to start the journey to a smoke-free future for themselves and the people they love.”
“The risk of developing smoking-related illnesses decreases the sooner people who smoke decide to quit. There’s lots of support available to help and you’re not on your own.”
Karen from Calderdale successfully quit with the help of Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale advisors. Karen said:
“My main reason for quitting was for health reasons, but with the cost of living increasing, I don’t think I could afford to smoke much longer anyway. I never thought I would be successful when it came to stopping smoking as I have tried and failed so many times that I assumed this time would be like all the others. I can honestly say that it is the hardest journey I have ever been on, but the support I received from my advisor was invaluable.”
The Yes to Quit campaign coincides with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill’s progression through Parliament, which aims to create a smoke-free generation by restricting the sale of tobacco products and regulating vaping.
Debs added:
“We’re supporting the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and its proposed measures, particularly raising the sales age. Most smokers start young and get trapped by addiction. The bill’s proposals, with strong public support, can break this cycle to create a smoke-free and healthier future for our children and subsequent generations.”
Scott Crosby, Associate Director for the Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence in Tobacco Control said;
“This campaign is a stark reminder that smoking kills two in three long-term smokers – claiming over 7,500 lives each year in Yorkshire and Humber alone. That’s why we are uniting across the region to help people quit and protect future generations from ever starting.
“The Third Reading of the historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a once-in-a-generation chance to protect people from this uniquely lethal product and make it easier for smokers to quit for good. Most people who smoke want to stop, and with the right support – whether stop smoking services, quitting aids, or switching completely to vaping – it’s much easier. Thousands successfully quit every year and live healthier, longer lives. If you’ve tried before, don’t stop trying. Your next attempt could be the one that works.”
If you, or someone you care about, is thinking of quitting smoking visit yestoquit.co.uk (external link) or to find your nearest services and the types of support available visit calderdale.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk(external link)
ENDS