Smokers in Derby are being encouraged to take the first step in quitting for good by joining the Council’s Livewell service for free support and treatments on World No Tobacco Day, which takes place on 31 May. 

Currently, around 16% of the adult population smoke in the UK and tobacco kills almost 100,000 people every year. Rates in Derby are similar, so there is some way to go before the city is smoke free. 

This year’s theme for the annual awareness day from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is ‘Tobacco’s threat to our environment.’  

The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the environmental impact of tobacco – from cultivation, production, distribution and toxic waste. It will give tobacco users another reason to quit.   

Derby smokers consume around 300,000 cigarettes per day, make up around 66% of all litter on the streets.

Robert Smithers, Livewell's Treatment Service Development Manager said: 

We know stopping smoking can be extremely difficult but it’s one of the best things you can do for your health. World No Tobacco Day provides the perfect opportunity to take that first step, and quitting will help to improve your health as well as the environment. 

It’s much easier to go smoke-free with the right help and using a local support service like Livewell rather than using willpower alone increases your chances of quitting successfully three-fold. 

Our expert advisors work with the client to develop an individual treatment programme, which includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy products to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and illness. It is known to cause at least 15 different cancer types.”

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing said:

It's never too late to quit. As a former smoker myself, I felt the benefits of quitting even after a few weeks. I would encourage people to take advantage of the free support available and Livewell is ready to make that difference. I wish Livewell had been around when I was quitting". 

To book a phone appointment with Livewell, sign up through the website, call 01332 641254 or email livewell@derby.gov.uk