Stoptober – the annual challenge that encourages smokers to quit for 28 days – starts on Thursday 1 October.
Those who make it to 28 days without smoking are five times more likely to quit for good.
With support from the team at Quit4You, the Island’s free specialist stop smoking service, the Island’s smokers are being encouraged to ‘take a breather…’ and enjoy the health benefits of stopping smoking this year.
Member for the Cabinet Office, Lawrie Hooper MHK, said:
'If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. The benefits start quickly, after just 72 hours, breathing becomes easier. After a year, the risk of having a heart attack is halved. After a decade, the risk of death from lung cancer is halved.
'In light of the ongoing threat from COVID-19, a respiratory disease, smokers need to be mindful that they are more vulnerable than non-smokers. I hope this encourages more people to make 2020 the year they quit.
'The Island’s friendly team of professional specialist stop smoking advisers can provide confidential one-to-one specialist support and advice including nicotine replacement therapy. Even if you’re unsure about quitting or just want some more information, get in touch with the team. It could be a decision that changes your life, and they’ll be there with all the support and encouragement you’ll need.'
Anyone wanting to take up the Stoptober challenge is encouraged to get in touch with the Quit4You team by emailing quit4you@gov.im or calling +44 1624 642404.
More information and free resources are available at www.gov.im/Quit4You.
