Stoptober, the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, launches on 1 October with the aim of encouraging people to quit smoking for 28 days. The Department of Health and Social Care is again backing the annual UK campaign which has encouraged nearly a million people to sign up.
By joining in, people can access a range of free support from the Island’s free stop smoking service, Quit4You and from Stoptober: including free a Quit Kit as well as support through apps, Facebook and Twitter – all providing tips and encouragement to help quitters through the month.
And by making it 28 days smokefree, people are five times more likely to quit for good.
Because people are 34% more likely to quit smoking if a co-worker also quits, workplaces are being encouraged to get involved this year. Quit4You is offering free one hour sessions in workplaces where 10 or more staff would like help to quit smoking, as well as free Quit Kitsto get people started.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle, said:
'The health effects of smoking are clear, as are the benefits of quitting. The Department wants to support people in taking responsibility for their own health to help prevent illness – a key objective of our five year strategy.
'It does not matter how many times someone has tried to quit, this time it could be for good. The best chance someone can give themselves is by joining Stoptober with the support of our local Quit4You Stop Smoking Service. Support is free and effective, just visit Quit4You.gov.im or search Stoptober.'
Anita Imberger, Health Psychologist and Tobacco Lead, said:
'We’re encouraging you to join Stoptober and take it one day at a time. Quit4You is offering plenty of proven support to help you every step of the way. The team offer a friendly, supportive welcome to anyone who wants to quit. Whether you’re ready to quit now, or want to find out options for the future, you are welcome to come to a one-to-one drop-in session to pick up information, or ask for advice without any pressure.'
Free Quit Kits are available by confidentially signing up to the Island’s ‘Smokefree Pledge’ at Quit4You.gov.im. The kit includes a Personal Quit Planner designed for the Isle of Man, with a 28 day progress chart packed with top tips.
To access Stoptober support including its app, Facebook and Twitter sites, search Stoptober (One You website). Although Isle of Man residents can’t access the Stoptober email service, they can still download the app and swap tips with others taking part in Stoptober.
Daily tips will also be available throughout October on Facebook at www.facebook.com/publichealthiom.
To book a free Quit4You session in the workplace, or for more information about clinics around the Island, visit Quit4You.gov.im, phone +44 1624 642404, or email tobacco@gov.im. Local Stoptober resources can also be access via this website under ‘downloadable documents’.
