Team up to quit this Stoptober

29 September 2015

​Smokers in Jersey are being urged to use the annual ‘Stoptober’ campaign as the trigger for them to stub out their last cigarette at the end of September.

Now in its fourth year, Stoptober is a mass quitting challenge organised by Public Health England and also aimed at the Channel Islands. The initiative encourages smokers to stop smoking for 28 days, starting on 1 October. Research prior to the start of Stoptober shows that teaming up with other people can increase a smoker’s chance of quitting by as much as 67% – if their partner also stops – and 36% if a friend stops.

Boosting chances of successfully quitting

The Help2Quit service in Jersey wants to encourage smokers to make use of the available services this year to boost their chances of successfully quitting.

Evidence shows that if smokers manage to quit smoking for 28 days, with not even a single puff on a cigarette, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

During the campaign in October 2014, around 100 smokers received support from Jersey’s Stop Smoking Service, Help2Quit, and almost half had managed to stay quit after four weeks. This year, which has also seen the introduction of new legislation prohibiting smoking in cars with passengers under 18, the intention is to encourage more people to give it a go.

Help is available to people who want to stop

Help2Quit coordinator Dr Rhona Reardon said "Stoptober offers smokers a realistic challenge of quitting for an initial 28 days. People who achieve this challenge are more likely to quit for good.

"Smokers don’t have to go it alone and the Help2Quit service is available to help. Access to free smoking cessation support for Islanders is greater than ever, with help now available in 20 local pharmacies.

"By using the help available, and through the mutual support of a partner or friend, smokers can give themselves a winning chance of making the breakthrough to stopping smoking for good."

Smokers who want to find out more about giving up are urged to call the Help2Quit freephone number on 0800 735 1155 and obtain advice about their nearest pharmacy service. 

Visit the Help2Quit site