Stoptober, which encourages smokers to go smokefree for 28 days, launches on 1 October and the Department of Health and Social Care is again backing the annual campaign from NHS England which last year saw 2.5 million attempt to quit.

Stoptober is based on the insight that if someone can stop smoking for 28-days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

This year’s campaign is focusing on supporting community stop smoking groups.  Smokers are invited to attend a free one hour taster session and to take a smoking buddy with them.  The sessions are being held at various locations around the Island on a drop-in basis in the lead-up to Stoptober. At the sessions the benefits of this approach will be outlined and smokers will be able to sign-up to a six week support group, starting from the week beginning 25 September.

Planned taster sessions:

Anyone who is interested in joining a support group but cannot attend a taster session should contact the Quit4You team to register their interest by 15 September online at www.gov.im/stoptober, by telephoning 642404 or emailing tobacco@gov.im.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: “Smoking has a significant impact on health and wellbeing and can significantly reduce life expectancy.  The health benefits of giving up smoking are clear.  Quitting smoking can be tough, but whether this is a first quit attempt or another try, I would encourage anyone who is looking to go smokefree to take this opportunity and benefit from the intensive support available.  There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain.”

The Quit4You service and its backing of the Stoptober campaign is part of the Department’s commitment to support people in taking responsibility for their own health to help prevent illness – a key objective of its five year strategy.

Lauren Howard, Specialist Stop Smoking Adviser, said: “Stoptober is a successful initiative that offers intensive support from professionals as well as other smokers making the attempt.  I would encourage every smoker to get in touch or come along to a taster session.  They’re informal, friendly and there’s no pressure – but there’s the benefit of having someone with you every step of the way.”

Free Quit Kits are available by confidentially signing up to the Island’s ‘Smokefree Pledge’ at Quit4You.gov.im. The kit includes a Personal Quit Planner designed for the Isle of Man, with a 28 day progress chart packed with top tips.

To access Stoptober support including its app, Facebook and Twitter sites, search Stoptober. Although Isle of Man residents can’t access the Stoptober email service, they can still download the app and swap tips with others taking part in Stoptober.

For more information about this year’s Stoptober challenge or simply about clinics around the Island, visit Quit4You.gov.im, phone 642404, or email tobacco@gov.im. Local Stoptober resources can also be accessed via this website under ‘downloadable documents’.