NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian have joined forces to support people who wish to quit smoking. They’ve launched a new campaign focusing on the harmful effects smoking has on people’s health and bank accounts.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many people may be finding it difficult to make ends meet. This joint awareness campaign between Scotland’s three largest health boards focuses on the benefits of quitting smoking to physical and mental health as well as money worries.
It directs those who smoke and their families to the free NHS stop smoking service: Quit Your Way. The service offers 12 weeks of support to anyone who smokes, including free nicotine replacement therapy, and specialist support to quit for pregnant women and those with mental health problems.
The campaign features NHS respiratory consultant, Dr John McCafferty, emphasising that although some may believe smoking is helping them cope through these difficult times, it actually has the opposite effect and makes them feel worse. Watch the video here.
As part of this campaign, a podcast aimed at referrers was also created to discuss the impact of smoking on mental and physical health during the cost of living crisis. The podcast features; Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive – ASH Scotland, Jo Duffy, Senior Health Promotion Officer, Tackling Poverty – NHS Lanarkshire, Geraldine Lucas, Team Leader – Quit Your Way – NHS GGC and Donnamarie Bell, Mental Health Adviser – Quit Your Way, NHS GGC. Listen to the podcast here.
Dr John McCafferty, consultant respiratory physician, NHS Lothian, said: “I understand people struggling might believe smoking helps them to relax. However, that relaxed feeling only lasts a short time before they start to feel anxious, tired and depressed. That can then lead to smoking more – it’s a vicious circle.
“In my role as a respiratory consultant, many of my patients have serious health issues due to smoking, including COPD and lung cancer. I hope that being able to raise further awareness of the Quit Your Way service will encourage people thinking of quitting smoking to give it a go, even if they have already tried before.
“The health benefits from stopping smoking start almost as soon as you stop, quitting could save your life.”
Shirley Mitchell, programme manager – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “Smoking is not the main reason for poverty, but it does make things much worse for people living with money worries. For example, if someone smokes twenty cigarettes per day, research shows quitting could save them at least £3000 per year.
“Working in partnership with both NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian means we’re in a much stronger position to raise awareness of our service, especially at a time when people may be struggling more financially and mentally.
“We know nicotine is a powerful, addictive drug, but by getting the right support from our service, it can increase your chances of quitting.”
Geraldine Lucas, Health Improvement Lead – Quit Your Way, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Quitting smoking is the single most important thing someone can do to improve their health.
“Most people will know that quitting smoking can improve their physical health, but it’s also proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing, helping relieve stress and anxiety. We want to highlight that our services are there to support people at this very challenging time.
“The NHS has a great team of Quit Your Way advisers with lots of experience in helping people to give up smoking. Stop smoking services can provide tailored information and support, as well as discussing the free nicotine replacement products like patches and gum that are available through the Quit Your Way services to help you quit.”
To find out about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 between Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
You can now use our ‘Click to be Contacted’ service, select your local or nearest area, leave your name, preferred contact method, and we will be in touch with you.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support. Find your nearest community pharmacy.
*Savings of over £3000 per year is based on ASH Scotland’s research, ‘Calculating the Cost of Smoking.’
Evidence for the campaign – taken from ASH Scotland’s Poverty Alliance Smoking and Poverty Report
