Thinking of quitting smoking?

Wednesday 11th March is No Smoking Day. This year's theme is "I'm proud to be a quitter" and involves inspirational stories from people who have stopped smoking. Smokefree South Gloucestershire are working wtih the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help smokers who want to quit by creating a supportive environment - and highlighting how Smokefree South Gloucestershire can help.

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/smokefree

Take the Stoptober Challenge

If you are a smoker, why not take the 28-day Stoptober Challenge and quit smoking for good?

The challenge starts on Wednesday 1 October but you can sign up now. You will receive support via email and texts to help you succeed in what is well known to be a tough task. For a free appointment email smokefree@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 865502. More details, including a link to the national site where you can sign up, are available at www.southglos.gov.uk/stoptober

Last year over 65 percent of people taking the challenge reached 28 days - making them five times more likely to quit for good.

Illegal tobacco campaign launched

On Monday Smokefree South West, in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, launched the latest stage of its campaign to highlight the dangers that illegal tobacco poses to South Gloucestershire.

Illegal tobacco sells for less than half the tax paid price of legally sold tobacco. The problems include:

• impact on legitimate traders
• makes it easier for children and young people to start smoking as it is readily available at pocket money prices. 
• brings crime into communities - the criminal gangs selling it also sell other illegal products
• discourages smokers from quitting

Illegal tobacco is linked to low-level and large-scale organised crime, nationally and internationally, including smuggling of other illegal goods such as drugs, alcohol and weapons. It goes hand in hand with child exploitation and money laundering and particularly targets poor and disadvantaged communities.You can read more at http://www.illegal-tobacco.co.uk/

Help to quit smoking

Next Wednesday, 12th March, is No Smoking Day.

Smokefree South Gloucestershire offer free support to stop smoking through local GP surgeries, pharmacies and specialist appointments and groups in the community. From 11am to 4pm there will be an event at Yate leisure centre to promote a healthy, smokefree lifestyle. There will be carbon monoxide breath testing, blood pressure checks and fitness challenges throughout the event. For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/smokefree