When you stop smoking, good things happen

Published: 25 September 2023

Derby City Council is encouraging Derby smokers to join its free healthy lifestyle service, Livewell to boost their chance of quitting successfully during Stoptober.

Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in England to join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it first launched. Over 5 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the biggest behavioural cause of preventable illness and death, with 64,000 deaths a year.

This year's Stoptober mass quit attempt is as important as ever, with quitting remaining one of the best things a smoker can do for their health. That’s why this year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging smokers to join the thousands of others who are committing to quitting for the month of October – quit smoking for 28 days and you’re five times more likely to quit for good.  And people who get expert support from local stop smoking services like Livewell are up to three times as likely to succeed.

When you stop smoking good things start to happen - quitting will allow you to start moving better, breathe more easily and give you more money to spend.

Cllr Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care said:

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and that can be much easier to do if you get some support. Livewell’s friendly advisors provide advice and free nicotine replacement therapy products to help you start to stop smoking and many people see immediate benefits when they do that.”

Derby dad of four, Jodie Clarke (aged 37) kicked his smoking habit 10 weeks ago with Livewell’s support and is noticing the positive changes to his emphysema symptoms.  He is urging other smokers in Derby to quit and said:

I feel better already both mentally and physically.  I can breathe easier, and my cough has eased. We have extra money in our pockets – around £50 a week, which will come in handy when our new baby arrives in March.”

The official Stoptober challenge begins on Sunday 1 October and people can choose to start their quit up until the end of October as part of the campaign.

However, smokers can quit any time with the help of Livewell, who offer 12 months of free support and stop smoking treatments to Derby residents. To sign up and book a phone appointment to get started, go to the Livewell website.

Health