A breath of fresh air for smokers trying to give up the habit

Smokefree Bolton aims to help more people quit smoking, creating a positive movement for local people and communities to become healthier, happier, and financially better off.

Quitting smoking is a challenge, but there’s no need to go it alone – smokers are three times more likely to succeed in quitting with specialist help. 

Smokefree Bolton supports local smokers, aged 12 years and over, with free personalised support and nicotine replacement therapies to quit the habit for good.

It is delivered by community stop smoking services including Your Health Bolton, Bolton Pharmacies and Bolton NHS as well as using mobile apps.

There is also support from national companies such as Allen Carr’s Easyway Stop Smoking method.  

Quitting is a great opportunity to improve health overnight and typically save £2,000 a year on average buying cigarettes.

The Government is providing extra funding for Bolton to strengthen its stop smoking services and encourage more people to make a quit attempt.

Initially the funding is for one year, but this may be extended to an additional four years to help achieve the smokefree ambition of reducing smoking to 5% or less of the population by 2030 in England.

Bolton has a higher proportion of smokers than in other parts of the country on average, with approximately 44,000 people lighting up each day across the borough.

Most people start smoking as children or young people and become highly addicted to the nicotine contained in tobacco products.

This is bad news for the health of local people as smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, respiratory diseases, cancer, dementia and other serious health conditions.  Smokers on average will lose 10 years of their life if they continue to smoke

The great news is that almost half of smokers say they want to quit, and after 28 smokefree days they are five times more likely to quit for good. 

After 30 years of smoking, Michael Kitchen decided to quit for his health and finances.

Struggling with asthma and feeling the toll on his lungs, he found support through his local stop-smoking service.

With nicotine patches, a vape, and the encouragement of his community, Mick has seen a huge improvement in his breathing and energy levels.

Michael said:

“Knowing there was some real support out there and someone I could check in with each week gave me the confidence to get involved.”

“Now my priority is being healthy, watching my children grow up or becoming a grandfather one day – by stopping smoking I’m giving myself the best chance of doing this.”

Lynn Donkin, Director of Public Health at Bolton Council said:

“Reducing harm caused by smoking is a public health priority in Bolton.”

“We have some of the highest smoking rates in the country and this addiction is causing avoidable illness, disability and death to residents in our borough.”

“The majority of smokers tell us they wish they had never started”.  

“I want people to know that it’s never too late to stop and that this free support from our friendly expert teams can really boost your chances of quitting for good.” 

Cllr Sean Fielding, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health, and Wellbeing said:

“With this substantial funding, we have a unique opportunity to empower residents to make life changing decisions.”

“Smokefree Bolton will provide the support and resources needed to help more people quit smoking and lead healthier lives.” 

Quit smoking with Smokefree Bolton – visit  https://letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/smoking.php