Smokers are being urged to stub out their habit and hide their lighters for at least 28 days as part of national quitting campaign.
Now in its fourth year, Stoptober kicks off on 1st October encouraging people to quit smoking for one month and Burnley Leisure is getting behind the campaign to promote the initiative locally.
As part of the Stoptober roadshow of events, the healthy lifestyles team will run a series of free events in St Peter’s Leisure Centre.
Taking place on Monday 28th September 4-6pm, Tuesday 29th September 12-2pm, and Wednesday 30th September 10am-12pm, the sessions will offer people an opportunity to check their carbon monoxide level and a poisonous gas in tobacco smoke, which lowers oxygen in the bloodstream.
People will also be to find out what help is available for them to quit smoking hopefully once and for all.
Burnley Leisure’s health and well-being manager Linda Searle said: “Quitting smoking can be difficult, but Stoptober is a great way for smokers to take their first steps towards a healthier, happier life and smoke-free future.
“Research shows that if a smoker manages to quit for 28 days they are five times more likely to not start again – so sign up to the challenge, attend the events and watch your habit go up in smoke.”
The national campaign run by Public Health England has proven to be a success. Last year, in England and Wales, more than 250,000 smokers stubbed out their cigarettes for Stoptober.
Anyone wanting to stop smoking can sign up to the challenge online at stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk or come to any of the following clinics at the St Peter’s Centre: Monday’s 5.30pm, Thursday’s 1.30pm or at Yorkshire St Medical Centre on Wednesday’s 4.30pm.
Please contact healthy lifestyles team on 01282 477134 for more information about stopping smoking.
