For the month of October, NHS Highland Smoke-Free Service is encouraging people to quit together. People are up to five times more likely to quit for good if they make it to 28 days smoke-free.
Stoptober is a national campaign to encourage people to quit smoking, which remains the leading cause of preventable death in Scotland.
People who wish to give up smoking, vaping or nicotine pouches can receive 12 weeks’ support and medication with specialist trained advisers.
NHS Highland’s Smoke-Free Service offers support via phone, video calls using the NHS Near Me facility or in-person appointments, depending on location across Highland or Argyll and Bute. Get in touch with a local adviser.
Smoking rates in Scotland have been falling steadily since 2003, and thousands of people are supported to quit each year. Over the last year across NHS Highland, 523 people successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks.
Susan Birse, Health Improvement Principal at NHS Highland, said: “Stoptober is a good challenge for anyone who is thinking of giving up to try and quit for one month - quitting together with family or friends often means people are more successful, and it’s a more positive experience as you can help each other along the way. There’s no need to go it alone. It’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support, and there are lots of options to choose from.”
A recent client of the Smoke-Free Service who stopped smoking said: “The service is great, it’s like talking to a friend supporting me. I’m proud and relieved to be smoke-free.”
Susan Birse added: “With a rise in the use of vapes and nicotine pouches, our specialist stop smoking advisers can provide up-to-date information on vaping and pouches and support anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to quit these too.”
To learn more or self-refer to the Highland Smoke-Free Service:
- phone 01463 704619
- visit Smoke-Free Highland
- ask to be referred by your GP or another health professional