New stop smoking service launched

Hampshire County Council has announced its new stop smoking service, Smokefree Hampshire, which has been commissioned to provide Hampshire smokers with free support to quit smoking.

Approximately 13% of Hampshire residents continue to smoke. As soon as you stop smoking, you enjoy health benefits: breathing and general fitness improve, physical activity becomes easier, there is a boost to the immune system making it easier to fight off colds and flu, plus your sense of smell and taste return. The health of those around you is also protected as they are not exposed to second-hand smoke.

Provided by Solutions4Health Ltd, the new service offers a range of support including face-to-face advisors, telephone advice, a digital offer and practical tips for those who want to try to stop smoking on their own. Evidence shows smokers are more successful in their quit attempt when they seek professional help. The service can also offer support to smokers who want to quit using an e-cigarette and can offer vouchers for a free starter pack.

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in England and the leading cause of health inequalities, placing a burden on the health of the population and on the local economy, with costs to health services and social care. Data reveals that nationally 428,000 households and 547,000 adults below pensionable age can be lifted out of poverty through returned tobacco expenditure (ASH, 2019).

The cost to health, social care and local communities of smoking in Hampshire is estimated to be nearly £300 million a year.

For more information, see www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk.