Today (Wednesday 12 March) is No Smoking Day – an opportunity for anyone who smokes to take a step toward a healthier, smoke-free future.
The benefits of quitting smoking are countless, but the most significant advantages include improved physical health, enhanced mental wellbeing, and financial savings.
To support this year’s campaign, the NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way team is encouraging NHS Lanarkshire staff and partners to complete Public Health Scotland’s Very Brief Advice (VBA) training.
This quick and accessible 30-minute module equips health professionals and community workers with the skills to engage in a simple, 30-second conversation with someone who smokes. The goal is to provide encouragement, direct them to available stop-smoking services, and offer vital information to help them quit.
Karen Mather, Team Lead – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, said:
“We know that encouraging someone to quit smoking can be a difficult conversation, but this short module provides the skills and confidence to open that discussion in a positive and supportive way.
“Our Quit Your Way service is here for anyone who smokes, even if they have tried to quit before. We offer a range of tailored support options to meet individual needs.
“ASH Scotland’s No Smoking Day campaign highlights that quitting smoking could save a person over £3,000 in just 12 months. More importantly, quitting significantly improves mental health and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers.
“We are proud to support this campaign and encourage NHSL staff and partners to take part in the VBA training. It’s a simple, quick, and impactful way to help someone take their first step toward a smoke-free life.”
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, added:
“Two-thirds of adults who smoke wish they had never started. No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity for people in Lanarkshire to leave tobacco behind and take control of their health.”
Find out more about the VBA on smoking course.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm.
To find out about stop smoking services and to access support to quit in your area, call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support.
