Smokers in the West Midlands encouraged to swap fags for gags

News from our partners Public Health England – West Midlands

Stoptober, the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England, is encouraging smokers in the West Midlands region to swap their fags for gags, to help them quit for good this October (2014).

Top British comedians including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray, Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson, Jason Bent and Dr Bob) and Andi Osho will this year bring a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters through this difficult and daunting challenge.

Smoking is no laughing matter and neither is quitting. Two-thirds of smokers say they want to quit, but only four in ten told a recent survey that they have tried in the last year. There is no doubt that quitting is tough, but it is known that people who quit do feel better in time.

Dr Lola Abudu, Public Health Consultant, said:

“In the West Midlands 18.9% of adults smoke.  Prevalence varies across the region, with Stoke-on-Trent having the greatest percentage of smokers at 28%, while Solihull has the fewest smokers with 12.1%.  People who stop smoking for 28 days and longer will begin to experience physical and health benefits, including better sense of taste and smell and a reduced risk of lung cancer and heart disease.  They will also benefit financially.

“I would encourage smokers across the West Midlands to sign up for Stoptober.  It is a great opportunity to make a serious quit attempt with the support of friends and family, and while quitting is no laughing matter, we’re hoping to raise a smile with the help of some of the country’s leading comedians who know how hard it is to kick the habit.”

The 2013 campaign saw 250,000 people across the country take part, and 65% of those successfully quitting for 28 days.  In the West Midlands 23,579 people signed up to take part in Stoptober 2013.  Public Health England is hoping even more will get involved this year by searching ‘Stoptober’ online and signing up.

Stoptober launches today with a three-minute TV ‘sketch show’ during the Emmerdale ad break, fronted by the leading comedy line-up and surprise guests.  It will be followed by a three-week recruitment campaign to get as many smokers as possible in the West Midlands region ready to quit on 1 October 2014.  The 28-day stop smoking programme will include daily messages of motivation, persuasion and distraction, as well as jokes, tips and content for digital users.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, said:

“We know the idea of giving up smoking can be daunting, but Stoptober has proved itself to be a fantastic platform for people to quit, and offers all the support that smokers may need to take the first step to stopping for good.  With support from this year’s line-up of comedians we are asking anyone who wants to quit to join the thousands of others and take up the challenge and give Stoptober a go – stop smoking and start smiling.”

Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are five times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free.  Quitting smoking can be a difficult process, but successfully quitting has significant health, monetary and social benefits.

Stoptober provides smokers with a range of free tools including a new stop smoking pack, a 28-day mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people quitting together through Stoptober social media channels.

A nationwide roadshow running from today until 11 October 2014 will also see comedic entertainers go into communities across the country to drive more people to get involved in the campaign and share their own humorous experiences of quitting smoking or supporting others.

The 28-day challenge starts on Tuesday 1 October 2014.  For more information, and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, search ‘Stoptober’ online and sign up.

For more information contact PHE West Midlands press office on 0121 232 9223/4.

Further information

Public Health England (PHE) exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. It does this through advocacy, partnerships, world-class science, knowledge and intelligence, and the delivery of specialist public health services. PHE is an operationally autonomous executive agency of the Department of Health. For more information on PHE visit www.gov.uk/phe or follow us on Twitter @PHE_uk and @PHE_WestMids.

While smoking rates have declined over past decades, smoking is still the biggest cause of preventable illness and premature deaths in the country – accounting for over 80,000 deaths in England a year.  One in every two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking related disease unless they quit.

Andi Osho said:

“I don’t smoke anymore, but I know how difficult quitting is, which is why I’m throwing my support behind Stoptober, to let people know that it can be done.  You can do it.  I think it’s important to use comedy for this campaign, especially if you’ve tried a number of times to give up.  We’re bringing some levity and making loads of helpful tips and videos, so you can tune into those and they’ll help you keep going.”

 

Stoptober Roadshow dates: