Stop smoking

A month long national campaign has seen a sharp rise in the number of Devon smokers to kick the habit.

Early indications for the second part of the year, which includes the Stoptober campaign run by NHS Devon and Devon County Council (DCC), show a 15 per cent increase in the number of people stopping smoking.

And the increase has been across a wide age range – with 25 per cent of it for those in the age 18 to 34 category.

Figures also show the increase is more marked in men than women.

The month-long campaign included a range of support including a preparation pack, 28-day ‘quit calendar’ and ‘health and wealth wheel’.

Councillor Andrea Davis, DCC lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “This shows that with the right support, people are keen to kick the habit.” To find your nearest stop smoking service and to get advice call 01884 836024 or e-mail stopsmoking.devonpct@nhs.net.