Cornwall residents who have quit smoking with help from the Healthy Cornwall team say they are feeling healthier, breathing more easily - and even have extra money for things like Christmas presents for their families.
These are just some of the positive changes people have reported after becoming smokefree.
National charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) estimates that the average smoker could save around £2,338 a year if they quit - a saving many residents are already putting to good use.
With Stoptober around the corner, the Healthy Cornwall team is encouraging smokers to set a smokefree date and access the support that can help make quitting easier.
Last year 3,677 people in Cornwall set a quit date with Healthy Cornwall, and more than half - 54% - were smoke free after four weeks.
Cornwall’s Director for Public Health, Eunan O’Neill, said:
“The benefits of quitting smoking are endless. Smokers who use local stop smoking services are up to three times more likely to succeed than those who go it alone. Healthy Cornwall offers a range of options, from text messaging and phone support to online tools and on-to-one sessions, so people can find the approach that works best for them.”
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Lead for Community Safety and Public Health said:
“It’s inspiring to hear the difference quitting has made to people’s lives. One resident told us they were able to afford Christmas presents for their family for the first time, which is a huge achievement.
“While we all know smoking damages health, the benefits of quitting are much wider than that.”
Cornwall resident Matt Coates, who quit smoking last October with Healthy Cornwall’s support, said:
“The main reason I wanted to stop was because of my chest in the morning, I’d wake up with really laboured breathing. Within five days of stopping that had completely gone.
“If you’re thinking about stopping smoking, do it. It is a daunting task, but if you can get over the first hurdles it does get easier, your life does get healthier.”
Other people have told the team:
- “I’m no longer out of breath when climbing the stairs”
- “I can now afford Christmas”
- “My sense of smell and taste has returned”
- “My clothes don’t smell anymore which has really boosted my confidence”
- “The fact that I’ve been able to quit has really lifted my mood, I feel proud of myself”
Healthy Cornwall offers free, flexible support to help you quit. To discuss the support on offer and to find the path that is right for you, get in touch.
Complete our enquiry form here:
Telephone - 01872 324200
Email the team:healthy.cornwall@cornwall.gov.uk