Smokers in the Isle of Man are being encouraged to take advantage of the free advice and support available to help them quit smoking during this year’s Stoptober campaign. The Department of Health and Social Care backs the annual UK campaign which encourages people to stop smoking for 28 days from October 1.

Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you’re five-times more likely to stay smoke-free for good.

Minister for Health, Howard Quayle MHK, said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity to find out more about what’s available to help and support each other to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is still the single best thing people can do for their health, so we want to encourage people to take part in the 28 day challenge during October.

“The Island’s Quit4You free Stop Smoking Service, along with encouragement from family, friends, employers and work colleagues, can help motivate people to stop for the whole of October and beyond.”

To coincide with Stoptober, the Quit4You service is launching changes to clinics across the Island. Quit4You now provides weekly appointment only clinics in Peel, Ramsey and Port Erin which replace the previous drop-in sessions.

The clinics in Douglas remain as a drop-in open every Tuesday at 12:30pm – 1:30pm and at 5:30pm with an earlier closing time of 6:30pm. This will enable people who are thinking about quitting smoking to pop into a central location, during the day or after work. Appointments can also be arranged during these opening times if preferred.

During Stoptober, Quit4You is offering free Quit Kits to help those wanting to stop smoking. The kits include a ‘Beat the cravings’ booklet and ‘Success tracker’, as well as details about how to access local services.

Anita Imberger, Health Psychologist and Tobacco Lead said: “Quitting smoking isn’t easy on your own, so Stoptober is a unique opportunity to get lots of support every day throughout October. It’s a great way of breaking down the quitting process and making it more manageable: just 28 days can change your life.

“Research shows that people are four times more likely to quit for good if they combine a product (such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy) with sessions at their local stop smoking service. Quit4You now offers appointment clinics around the Island and can provide free vouchers for Nicotine Replacement Therapy. We can also support people trying to quit using electronic cigarettes, however the service cannot supply these products.”

This year, Isle of Man residents can access all of the Stoptober support materials for free - including the Stoptober support pack, mobile phone app, text and email support. Each day throughout October, you can receive free updates, quitting advice and top tips to help you stay on track and cope with cravings. To sign up, search ‘Stoptober’ or visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk.  

For more information about the Quit4You Stop Smoking Service, to book an appointment, or to receive your free Quit Kit, visit www.Quit4You.gov.im, phone 642404, or email tobacco@gov.im.  

For Stoptober resources for your workplace, please phone Public Health Reception on 642639 or email tobacco@gov.im.