8th March 2024
No Smoking Month is upon us, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. With smoking being the single most entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death, in Northern Ireland it is responsible for approximately 35,000 hospital admissions and 2,200 deaths each year.
Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control, with the PHA, said: “March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to stop smoking and improve your health.
“Stopping smoking is one of the best steps you can take to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money which is significant as people face tough times with the cost-of-living crisis. You might have even tried quitting before, but this March, try again and get support in your journey to quit through PHA-funded Stop Smoking services as it really will make a difference ”
There is lots of support available throughout Northern Ireland for those who want to quit. A range of services that can help and support people to quit are offered through many community pharmacies, GP practices, HSC Trust premises, community and voluntary organisations, and by Cancer Focus NI.
Meet our Stop Smoking Specialists in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust that are available to support you on your quit journey.
You can contact the Stop Smoking Specialists by:
- Tel: 028 3756 4400 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
- Email: stop.smoking@southerntrust.hscni.net
- Complete the form on our website and the team will contact you – Click Here
Top tips for quitting smoking
- Make a date to give up – and stick to it!
- Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
- Get support from your local Stop Smoking Service. Also, let your family and friends know that you’re quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
- Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, (and plan alternative activities for places you associate with smoking) and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
- Remind yourself that the money saved now from not smoking can be used for other things you or your family want or need.
Research suggests that you’re 4 times more likely to quit smoking with support.