10 March No Smoking Day 2021.
There has never been a more important time to look after your mental and physical health. Stopping smoking has immediate benefits to your physical health and long term will significantly reduce your chances of developing many illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, COPD, stroke and cancer. While quitting can feel stressful in the short-term new research shows that many ex-smokers mental health improves six weeks after quitting.
In time for No Smoking Day, Newham’s Stop Smoking Service is launching a series of online drop-in information sessions to encourage smokers to sign up and quit smoking. Stopping smoking with expert help increases the chances of quitting by three or four-hold. Stop Smoking Practitioners will give practical advice and tips on quitting smoking including the best methods available, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (like patches and gums) to reduce withdrawal symptoms. In combination with advisor support, Newham’s Stop Smoking Service offers residents a great opportunity to quit smoking and improve their physical and mental health.
Councillor Zulfiqar Ali said: “For many of our residents in Newham taking a positive step towards quitting smoking can be very difficult. That’s why I am delighted that our Stop Smoking Service is here to support smokers who want to become ex-smokers. It has never been a more important time to put the health and wellbeing of our residents at the forefront of what we do, and I wish everyone that engages with the service the best of luck in their efforts to quit smoking.”
Smoking remains the biggest cause of death and illness in Newham and almost 40,000 residents in the borough smoke. This represents around 14% of the adult population, which is higher than the London average (13%). Smoking is more common among people with mental health conditions, where 26% of adults in Newham with a long-term mental health condition smoke.
The last year has been difficult for many of us. Some smokers believe that smoking helps you to relax, when actually smoking increases anxiety and tension. Quitting not only improves your physical health –it boosts your mental health and wellbeing too.
Ex-smokers have:
- Improved mood
- Less anxiety and depression
- Feel better about their lives
Smokers who quit for six weeks or more are happier and experience less anxiety and depression than those who carry on smoking. Research shows that people who have quit smoking for a year are happier than those who continue to smoke.
There has never been a more important time to quit smoking. Even if you have tried it before – why not give it another go – you can do it. Join one of our zoom sessions to find out how the Newham Stop Smoking Service can support you through this journey.
Session 1 Topic No Smoking Day 10 March
Time Mar 10, 2021, 11 AM Meeting ID: 810 2983 3570 Passcode: 728489
Session 2 Topic: Newham Stop Smoking Service Information Session
Time: Mar 18, 2021 2:00 PM London Meeting ID: 853 7638 8605 Passcode: 517587
Session 3 Topic: Newham Stop Smoking Service Information Session
Time: Mar 26, 2021 02:00 PM London Meeting ID: 873 2391 1546 Passcode: 067382
At this time when we have less control over our lives than we’d like, smokers can take positive control on No Smoking Day. We can support smokers to seize the moment and look forward to happier smoke-free future.
Adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, the service combines telephone and online support, including Zoom video conferencing. COVID secure face-to-face support will also be available, in line with current lockdown restrictions. If smokers would prefer to access a nearby pharmacy to get support to quit smoking, that option is still available (see below for more information).
Newham residents who want to quit smoking can self-refer to the service by:
- Calling the helpline on 020 7882 8230 / 0800 1691943
- Emailing clinicbookings@qmul.ac.uk
- Text or Whatsapp 07474 082 330
- Or for more information visit www.newham.gov.uk/stopsmoking
Newham’s Stop Smoking Service is run and delivered by Queen Mary University London.