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North East smokers urged to 'send off' their final fags

North East stop smoking services are urging New Year quitters not to lose their resolve as they face their toughest test. A new NHS campaign launching across the region aims to reassure smokers of the variety of free help available to them and encourage them to say goodbye to their habit for good.

The new “Send Off” adverts, which will feature on bus shelters and high streets in 270 locations across the region as well as in local press, radio and online, portray different ways smokers can get rid of their last packet of cigarettes. Some of the methods suggested include tying them to a punchbag, striking them with a golf club, pounding them with a telephone directory, or morris dancing on them. The ads aim to demonstrate that there are as many different methods of quitting as there are types of smoker.

Andy Graham, Regional Coordinator with Fresh, Smoke Free North East said: “Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but with the right help you can get rid of cigarettes for good. There’s never been more help available – patches, gum, sponsorship, groups, text support – there’s a way to quit that’s right for you. If you want to see off your last cigarette, contact your local NHS Stop Smoking Service or ring the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 for tailored help and advice.”

The campaign coincides with the re-launch of the NHS smoking cessation website, www.gosmokefree.co.uk, which offers tips and advice on giving up smoking and a postcode search facility to identify the local NHS Stop Smoking Services in your area.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .