Woking smokers urged to 'take the leap' on No Smoking Day

11 March 2013

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Smokers in Woking are being encouraged to `take the leap' this month and quit the cigarettes on No Smoking Day - Wednesday 13 March 2013.

It is estimated that nearly one in six UK adults smoke1, including thirteen per cent in Woking2, while figures suggest that two thirds of smokers want to quit3.

To give smokers a helping hand, Woking Borough Council will be making information available both online and throughout the Borough to help smokers `ditch the cigs', including an easy-to-use `Swap fags for swag' calculator that highlights what smokers could have bought with money spent on cigarettes. Calculators are available free of charge from the Council's Civic Offices, Woking Leisure Centre, Pool in the Park or local Centres from the Community.

Cllr David Bittleston, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Health and Well-being, said: "The benefits of not smoking begin within hours of giving up and boost not just your health but your wallet too. This Wednesday, take the leap and join the hundreds of smokers in Woking attempting to quit on No Smoking Day."

No Smoking Day ambassador and Dragon's Den star, Duncan Bannatyne, said: "As an ex-smoker myself I know how hard it can be go give up but I promise it's worth the effort. You're four times more likely to succeed if you get help from your local stop smoking service, which is why I wholeheartedly support Woking Borough Council's efforts to let Woking people know what help and support is available."

If you plan to quit, why not follow @wokingcouncil and let us know what you'll be doing at #nosmokingwoking

Woking Borough Council is part of a network of organisations across the UK that manage local activities for the No Smoking Day campaign.

For more information on the benefits of quitting, as well as top quit tips, visit www.taketheleap.co.uk

Futher information

1. Statistics from ASH fact sheet. Facts at a glance - smoking statistics. July 2011.

2. Surreyi estimated % of adults who smoke www.surreyi.gov.uk/DrillDownProfile.aspx?pid=27&rt=8&rid=717#null

3. Statistics from ASH factsheet. Facts at a glance - smoking statistics. July 2011.

No Smoking Day is now part of the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The annual health campaign, which is now in its 29th year, inspires and helps smokers who want to quit, and is supported by an alliance of UK health bodies and charities. For more information about the No Smoking Day campaign visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk or for more on the BHF visit www.bhf.org.uk