North Highland Smokers Encouraged To Quit

17th January 2012

North Highland smokers urged to improve their health and wealth by kicking the habit.

North Highland's 6,784 smokers are being urged to make 2012 the year they quit for good - and to take advantage of the wide range of NHS services to help make it happen.

A new campaign has been launched encouraging smokers to quit with the help of Scotland's national stop smoking helpline 0800 848484, which offers people tips on how to kick the habit geared towards their personal circumstances and needs.

A Scottish Government community engagement team will be visiting locations across Scotland to inform and advise smokers who want to quit. Visitors will be able to take lung ageing and carbon monoxide tests and also pick up quit calendars to support them through their quit attempts. The community engagement roadshow will be visiting the Eastgate Centre in Inverness on 20th Feb from 9am - 5pm and Morrisons in Alness on 21st Feb from 9am - 5pm.

A new Scottish Government-commissioned survey suggests four in 10 smokers are smoking at least 15 cigarettes per day, but only a quarter think that they are spending more than £1,750 a year on cigarettes - less than the average annual cost of smoking for a 15-a-day smoker of £1,916, suggesting many are underestimating the true cost of their habit.

The survey reveals that more than half (55 per cent) of smokers questioned are making an attempt to stop smoking as a New Year resolution and for the vast majority of these, health (81 per cent) and money (70 per cent) are cited as the top two reasons for quitting.

Speaking at the launch at Partick Community Centre for Health, Mr Matheson said:"We know that the majority of people in Scotland who smoke want to stop, which is the single biggest step someone can take to improve their health.

"Quitting can reduce a person's risk of having a heart attack or coronary heart disease and also enable people to make big savings when household budgets are under pressure. A new survey suggests many people underestimate the financial cost of smoking.

"Quitting is a common New Year resolution. We know people are less likely to succeed if they go it alone. Our new campaign tells smokers that they are more likely to succeed in making 2012 the year they quit for good by calling Smokeline for free on 0800 848484. Smokeline can help people find the right quitting method to suit their lifestyle.

"There's a huge range of support available - from face-to-face or online to nicotine replacement therapy and group sessions - and Smokeline can help put people in the right direction."

Smokeline advisor Tracy Downs said:"Whether you're a smoker making your first attempt to quit smoking or a recent quitter simply looking for some support, Smokeline's advisers can offer a wide range of support and advice to suit your circumstances. We are trained to find the quit method that's right for each caller, and we will offer tailored advice to make sure that we give those callers the best chance of successfully kicking the habit."

As part of this year's campaign, the Scottish Government is once again teaming up with Scottish Slimmers to offer its members advice and information on giving up smoking. This year, Slimmers will be incentivised with a joining fees discount if they call Smokeline and take the first step toward a smoke free future.

TV advertising will highlight the services provided by Smokeline.

For further information on the various quit methods available, plus advice and support call Smokeline on 0800 848484 or visit www.canstopsmoking.com.

The new survey was carried out online by Opinion Matters amongst a sample of 501 Scottish adult smokers. Fieldwork was undertaken between December 15 and 22.

The average price of a packet of 20 cigarettes is £7. Based on this price, a person who smokes 15 cigarettes a day will spend £1,916 per year.