The Rotherham ‘Smokefree Homes’ project, launched last month, has already been a huge success with 557 homes signing up to the ‘smokefree pledge’, committing to keeping their homes and cars completely smoke free.
Smokefree Homes is a voluntary initiative aimed at encouraging Rotherham households to avoid the hazards of tobacco smoke by keeping their homes and cars smoke free. NHS Rotherham, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Rotherham 2010 and Voluntary Action Rotherham are working in partnership to ensure the success of the scheme.
Kaye Mann, NHS Rotherham Smokefree Homes Co-ordinator explains: “A smokefree home means that no-one smokes in your home or car, including visitors. To protect the health of everyone living in the household, including children and babies, we would like to encourage more households across Rotherham to become smokefree.
“It is important to keep homes smoke free because tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, over 50 of which cause cancer. The risk can’t be removed by simply opening a window as 90% of these chemicals stick to walls, clothes, furniture, hair and skin for up to two weeks.”
Expectant parents and those with young children are also alerted to the dangers of passive smoking for their children: increased risk of asthma, cot death (SIDS), middle ear disease, respiratory problems and impaired lung function. Help is available for pregnant women and their families as NHS Rotherham’s Stop Smoking Service have specialist midwives willing to make home visits.
As a direct result of the scheme, the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service has received 36 referrals.
Simon Lister, Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “Making your home smokefree is also a great opportunity to consider stopping smoking. In Rotherham we have a wealth of support to help people quit the habit and smokers can take the first step by calling our helpline on 01709 422444 or visiting our website to find out the range of support available.”
The Fire Service advice service has also examined 89 homes for fire safety since the campaign began. Smoking at home is a major cause of house fires, and so the South Yorkshire Fire Service is offering free fire safety checks to homes which make the ‘smokefree pledge’ in order to raise awareness of the campaign.
Hundreds of homes in Rotherham will soon become smokefree, thanks to the launch of the ‘Smokefree Homes’ campaign this week. The aim of the voluntary initiative is to encourage households across Rotherham to become smokefree, to protect their families and homes from the hazards of tobacco smoke.
Smokefree Homes is a partnership initiative including NHS Rotherham, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Rotherham 2010 and Voluntary Action Rotherham. Kaye Mann is the NHS Rotherham Smokefree Homes Co-ordinator. She says: “Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 toxic chemicals, over 50 of which cause cancer. Research has found that a quarter of South Yorkshire residents said someone smoked in their home, and in Rotherham 28% of smokers smoke in their car.
“A smokefree home means that no-one smokes in your home or car, including visitors. To protect the health of everyone living in the household, including children and babies, we would like to encourage as many households as possible to become smokefree.”
NHS Rotherham arranged a series of events during the week to raise awareness of the initiative, and to encourage households to sign up to becoming smokefree. At these events families and households could sign up to the official ‘smokefree pledge’, where they commit to making their home and car smokefree at all times.
One of the families who signed up to becoming smokefree was Katryna Armitage from Dinnington along with her partner and four children. Katryna said, “Both my partner and I smoke so we signed up to the service because we were fed up with the smell of stale tobacco in the home and wanted a cleaner environment for our children. Through this initiative we have also been referred to the local stop smoking service.”
As smoking in the home is a major cause of house fires in England, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is working in partnership with the Smokefree Homes team to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking in the home. They are offering free fire safety checks and fire alarms to homes who make the smokefree pledge.
NHS Rotherham are also using the smokefree homes campaign to alert expectant parents and parents of babies and children to the increased risks associated with second hand smoke. Approximately 25% of infants in Rotherham are born to mothers who smoke at the time of their birth and tobacco smoke is also associated with an increased risk of asthma, cot death (SIDS), middle ear disease, respiratory problems and impaired lung function. NHS Rotherham’s Stop Smoking Service have specialist midwives who see women who are either planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or have a baby under the age of 1 year. They also support partners and other family members who wish to quit smoking and will provide home visits.
Simon Lister, Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “It is really important that parents, families and anyone living in a smoking household seriously considers signing up to the smokefree homes pledge.
“People often think that they can remove the risk from tobacco smoke by opening windows or doors, or smoking in just one room. What a lot of people don’t realise is that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke, and it is often the places like home, where we feel safe, that the greatest risk occurs.
“Making your home smokefree is also a great opportunity to consider stopping smoking. In Rotherham we have a wealth of support to help people quit the habit and smokers can take the first step by calling our helpline on 01709 422444 or visiting our website to find out the range of support available.”
Did you know the benefits of making your home and car smokefree?
•4000 toxic chemicals no longer polluting your house
•Your children are healthier; breathing in smokefree air
•Risk of health problems reduced
•House is cleaner; no more dropped ash or cigarette burns
•Your children’s nose and eyes no longer irritated by tobacco smoke
•Children less likely to develop asthma. Asthmatics have better control of their condition.
•Children will be less likely to take up smoking in their teens.
•You will reduce the risk of cigarette related house fires
You will find it easier to stop smoking when your home is smokefree
More people than ever before across Rotherham are seeing the light by stopping smoking using support through the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service. Recent figures show that last year 2286 people across Rotherham accessed the service and actually quit.
Simon Lister from the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service said;
“We are really delighted that so many people have chosen to do the one single thing that can best improve their health which is stop smoking. I think part of our success is that Rotherham has a stop smoking service which really responds to peoples needs. We involved smokers in designing the service to ensure it would meet the needs of people wishing to quit. As a result we introduced two stop smoking centres in the town centre which offer really easy access with both day time and evening sessions as well as support via a special contract with GP practices across the borough. We have also introduced work place sessions where our specialists go out to businesses across Rotherham to support their staff in quitting.
“The really good thing is that we don’t have any waiting lists so the moment people feel motivated to stop they can come to us and get the help they need straight away. People are fours times more likely to stop smoking for good with professional support from highly specialist staff.”
Rotherham employee Andrew Sapey, a smoker for 30 years recently quit using the NHS Rotherham service. He said;
“I can’t believe how much better I feel since I stopped smoking. I’m doing the Berlin marathon in September and I knew I had to stop smoking so I could get fitter. I was really struggling in training; coughing and wheezing, but now I actually feel healthy for the first time in years! I am really proud that I have given up smoking, but I know I couldn’t have done it without the support I received from the service.”
Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and reduces quality of life and life expectancy. The younger a person quits, the greater the benefit but stopping smoking is beneficial at any age. Many smokers think that smoking helps relieve stress but in fact ex-smokers are more likely to have better mental health and be happier.
1 in 5 people in Rotherham currently smoke. NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service provides free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of one to one or telephone support. Stop smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day, some evenings and Saturday mornings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit. Smokers who are ready to take the first step can call the stop smoking service on 01709 422444 for more information.
Dentists and Pharmacists across Rotherham have teamed up with the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service to deliver a major Stop Smoking Campaign across Rotherham, with an aim to reduce the number of smokers in the area.
The ‘Be a Life Saver’ campaign is asking Dental Practitioners and Pharmacists across Rotherham to refer at least one smoker a week to the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service in a bid to improve the health of local people.
NHS Rotherham Tobacco Control Lead, Khamis Al-Alawy, said: “There are 500 deaths in Rotherham related to smoking per year. Stopping smoking is the best thing someone can do to improve their health so we are now taking the ‘Be a Life Saver’ campaign to our Dentists and Pharmacists to encourage their clients who smoke to give up smoking. Helping someone to stop smoking could add up to ten years to their life.”
Patients who smoke, will be asked by their Dentist or Pharmacist to consider quitting and those who agree will be referred to smoking cessation specialists at the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service.
NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, Simon Lister, said: “Each year we help about 2,000 smokers stop. Most smokers try to stop smoking on their own with out support. The evidence clearly shows that by getting support from Local Stop Smoking Services you are up to four times more likely to stop smoking compared to will power alone. I really recommend that smokers come along to our service to give themselves the best chance of stopping smoking, not only could they add years to their life but they could save thousand of pounds per year. “
Between November 2008 and January 2009 the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service ran the ‘Be a Life Saver’ campaign with Rotherham GPs which generated 168 referrals to the service, giving the people of Rotherham 420 life years.
NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service provides free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of one to one or telephone support. Stop smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day, some evenings and Saturday mornings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of Nicotine Replacement Therapies, ( NRT), for example patches or gum designed to help with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Other forms of treatment include Zyban, a prescription only drug and Champix, also available on prescription. Getting help and support alongside a product means someone is far more likely to quit smoking than someone who chooses to go it alone. Quitters do not have to use a treatment or product but help and advice from specially trained staff is highly recommended.
The Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre offers advice without an appointment, clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support. It is open on Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9m - 5pm, Wednesday, 10am-5pm, Thursday 9-4.30pm, and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
The Stop Smoking Centre in the concourse of Rotherham Hospital is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm – again clients do not need an appointment. A member of the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service will be on hand to provide support to patients, visitors and staff.
Anyone who would like more information about help in their local area, or would like to book an appointment with a specially trained staff member at a convenient time and venue should telephone 01709 422444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. For more information on smokefree visit www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk
Are you smoking cigarettes from that 'nice chap' down the road who sells them cheap? If so, do you know what you are sponsoring?
We all know that smoking is extremely bad for your health - but smoking counterfeit cigarettes is not only bad for you but also bad for a variety of other reasons that are not immediately obvious!
Cheap cigarettes come from two sources - illegal imports from abroad where duty has not been paid and fake cigarettes that are not made by legitimate cigarette manufacturers.
Unfortunately, the majority of cheap cigarettes are fake. Apart from containing high levels of arsenic, metal cadmium, plastic and lead, they are also connected with a variety of criminal activities.
The illegal cigarette trade helps fund serious organised crime and drugs trade; the people who sell illegal cigarettes do not pay tax and could be claiming benefits and buying from these people undermines local businesses.
Fake cigarettes are often manufactured in 'sweat shops' using child labour and in turn the 'nice chap' could also be selling these cigarettes to children on the street as they are mainly sold away from the usual retail outlets.
Margaret Statham, Trading Standards Manager for Rotherham Borough Council, said: "Apart from the health dangers, fake cigarettes also undermine business and local communities. I do not condone smoking - it is a very dangerous habit with horrendous health implications. However, if people must smoke they are advised to steer well clear of ludicrously cheap cigarettes
"People seem to believe that buying cheap these is a victimless crime. This is not the case, as we are all victims when our taxes increase because these dealers are not paying for them, or that the local shop shuts or that our children are gaining easy access to cheap cigarettes that get leave them hooked for the rest of their lives!"
"Please do not buy cheap cigarettes and more importantly, please let us know if you know who is selling them. Please phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. All calls will be made in confidence and you do not have to leave your details if you do not want to."
The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is gearing up for next week’s No Smoking Day (Wednesday 14th March), which is themed around giving smokers a ‘fresh start’.
The service is expecting an increase in the number of people wanting to quit ahead of this summer’s introduction of legislation to make all workplaces smokefree.
No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness campaign that helps smokers that want to stop. The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984 and it takes place on the second Wednesday in March. The campaign is now in its 24th year and is a firm fixture in the Rotherham calendar because of its continuing success. On No Smoking Day 2006 1.5 million smokers across the UK made a quit attempt and millions more used the Day to take a step towards stopping smoking.
It is estimated that 4 million people will use this year’s No Smoking Day to get a head start on quitting smoking before the smokefree legislation comes into place on 1st July.
On No Smoking Day the Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre will be open extended hours, from 9.15am to 8pm. During the day street performers will be in All Saints Square and on Bridgegate handing out fresh flowers and fruit.
Smokers wanting to quit will also be able to take advantage of an offer for two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which will be available to everyone accessing the service between 14th March and the end of April. It will be given in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed at most Rotherham pharmacies.
Khamis Al-alawy, Smokefree Rotherham Co-ordinator said: "This year’s theme is about making a fresh start. It’s about making a change that improves the whole of your life. The campaign image reflects the stark difference between a smoke-filled and smokefree life - make a fresh start”.
Also on No Smoking Day the Brampton Healthy Living Centre is holding a drop-in session between 11am and 4pm. Support will be given to those wanting to get ahead of the introduction of smokefree workplaces on 1st July. Advice and information, free NRT patches and refreshments will be given out on the day or smokers can contact the Healthy Living Advice Centre by telephone on 01226 751646 for information about stop smoking sessions.
Simon Lister, Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “We know that many smokers would like to quit their habit but are reluctant to seek help. By providing free support and nicotine replacement therapy we hope that many smokers will use it as a first stage of quitting their habit and a first step to improving their health and making a fresh start.
“National No Smoking Day is the perfect time to think about breaking the smoking habit and join thousands of other smokers across the country in giving up for good and starting on your way towards a healthier and better lifestyle.”
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service provides free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of a group, one to one or telephone support. Stop smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day and some evenings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit. Drop-in sessions are held in Rawmarsh Health Centre, Kimberworth Park Medical Centre, Dinnington Clinic and the Sandygate Hotel at Wath. Contact the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service for details.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of NRT, for example patches or gum, or Zyban. Quitters do not have to use products but those who do will receive the appropriate support and advice to ensure they choose the ones from which they will benefit the most.
The service also recently opened the Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre. No appointment is necessary clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support. It is open on Mondays from 9.15am to 5pm, Tuesdays 9.15am – 8pm, Wednesdays 9.15am -5pm (8pm on Wednesday 14th March), Fridays 9.15am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
Tobacco and secondhand smoke contains 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are highly toxic and over fifty of the chemicals are cancer causing.
Anyone who would like to quit smoking and would like to join the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, should telephone 01709 302444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to book an appointment with a Stop Smoking Specialist at a convenient time and venue or look out for a variety of other events taking place in local GP's, youth clubs and pharmacies.
Did you know, after you stop smoking you have:
•Improved skin – stopping smoking improves circulation giving you a radiant complexion
•Sparkling smile – get back fresh breath and stop the yellow teeth look that comes from smoking
•Improved sense of taste and smell
•Better sex life – smoking can create hormonal imbalances which decrease libido
•The health benefit are enormous:
After 20 minutes without smoking your blood pressure and pulse return to normal
After 48 hours without smoking, there is no nicotine left in the body.
After 2 - 12 weeks without smoking, circulation improves, making walking and running a lot easier
•Once you have stopped smoking, your stress levels are reduced, physical activity is easier and you can have a better sex life!
Social Stigma Prevents Pregnant Smokers Seeking Help to Quit
50% of people in Yorkshire & the Humber are critical of pregnant women who smoke
•New NHS Smokefree pregnancy campaign calls for ‘encouragement not judgement’ for pregnant smokers
•Powerful new campaign shows that every cigarette smoked restricts the essential oxygen supply to an unborn baby, so that their tiny heart has to beat harder every time a pregnant woman smokes.
•One in four (28%) pregnant smokers would like to seek help to stop smoking but are worried about being judged
The NHS Smokefree team has launched a powerful new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking, and the immediate benefits of becoming smokefree, for pregnant women and their babies. The campaign, supported by Dr Miriam Stoppard, seeks to encourage public support for pregnant women in their quit attempts and to drive take-up of the specialist pregnancy NHS Stop Smoking Services available to help them.
The new campaign will target the 25 % of pregnant women in Rotherham who smoke during their pregnancy by communicating why smoking is harmful to them and their baby. Every cigarette smoked restricts the essential oxygen supply to an unborn baby, so that their tiny heart has to beat harder every time a pregnant woman smokes. The campaign reinforces the message that every cigarette harms the unborn baby, and that stopping smoking - no matter how far along the pregnancy is - will benefit the woman and her baby immediately.
New research from the NHS Stop Smoking Service reveals how the social stigma around smoking during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the willingness of pregnant smokers to seek help, with over a quarter of pregnant smokers (28%) admitting they would like to seek support to stop smoking but are worried about being judged. A further third of pregnant smokers say they sometimes hide their smoking as they are worried about people criticising them (38%) and a third (39%) admit that they are ashamed to admit that they smoke to their midwife or healthcare professional.
Dr Miriam Stoppard, who specialises in women’s health, said: “Pregnant women who smoke do not automatically find it easy to stop smoking as soon as they become pregnant, often hiding their smoking rather than asking for help to quit, because they feel that they will be criticised .
“Pregnancy can be a particularly difficult time to stop smoking – and rather than stigmatising these women, we should be guiding them to their local NHS Stop Smoking Service for expert advice and support to help them quit.”
Polling from YouGov on behalf of the NHS Stop Smoking Service highlights the need for greater public empathy for the struggles that many pregnant smokers face, with only 1% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber considering pregnancy to be the most difficult time to stop smoking. In addition, 54% of people think that women who smoke when they are pregnant are not taking the responsibility of motherhood seriously, and 50% are critical of pregnant smokers. Smoking during pregnancy is seen as more socially unacceptable 31% than dropping litter 21% or allowing young children to watch films aimed at an older audience 11%.
Unsurprisingly however, it is other mothers who are most understanding about pregnant smokers, with a Mumsnet poll revealing that 84 per cent of mothers think that women who smoke during pregnancy need help and support to quit rather than public condemnation.
To respond to the specialist needs of women who smoke during pregnancy, there is dedicated NHS support to help pregnant women to quit. NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service – 01709 302444 - and NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline - 0800 169 9 169 - offers a free and friendly service that provides practical advice about stopping smoking. Pregnant women can sign-up to receive regular phone calls which provide flexible ongoing support and encouragement. Research has shown that smokers who quit with NHS support are up to four times more likely to succeed.
Francesca Carr from Aston, who is pregnant with her third child, recently stopped smoking through NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service. She said: "After fifteen years of smoking I have found the help and support I have received during this pregnancy of great value, and also a pleasure to have so much help from not only my smoking midwife but antenatal appointments and weekly phone calls too. NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service has provided one to one home visits and I have found these such a great help. Smoking is very addictive and this has been my third attempt to quit but getting such great help, weekly visits and using Nicotine Replacement Therapy, I have finally cracked the routine of not needing a cigarette because of addiction and habit."
Lisa Fendall, Midwife and NHS Specialist Smoking in Pregnancy Adviser for Rotherham said: “We see lots of pregnant women who are worried about trying to stop smoking and feel they don’t have the support or anyone to talk to about it. We’re making sure they see there is plenty of help on offer, from pregnancy focused one-to-one or group support sessions at NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service or the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline giving friendly advice and support - we work together to find the best solution for them.”
As part of the new campaign, midwives have been provided with new tools and information to support their work in helping pregnant smokers stop smoking. These include a new leaflet and a Smoking in Pregnancy Support DVD.
Quitting is not easy and it can take some smokers several times to get off cigarettes for good. The NHS Smokefree team urges any pregnant woman planning to stop smoking to contact NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service – 01709 30 2444 - or the Pregnancy Smoking Helpline - 0800 169 9 169 - for free help, support and advice.
Keep Your New Year Resolution Join the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service
Each year thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking. Many try and many fail because they don’t receive the right help and support. Stopping smoking is the single greatest influence you can have on your health and quitting is the best start you can give yourself to the New Year.
As an incentive for those who smoke and want to stop, NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service is offering two weeks free Nicotine Replacement Therapy to all clients who attend the service in January (this applies only to patients registered with a Rotherham GP).
The NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service can provide free advice, confidential, support and information in a range of venues across Rotherham, from GP practices and health centres to clients’ homes and now in the new Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre.
Stop Smoking meetings are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit. Drop-in sessions are held at the Bridgegate Stop Smoking Shop, Rotherham Hospital, Rawmarsh Health Centre, Dinnington Clinic and the Sandygate Hotel at Wath.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of NRT, for example patches or gum, or Zyban. Quitters do not have to use products but those who do will receive the appropriate support and advice to ensure they choose the ones from which they will benefit the most.
Simon Lister, NHS Rotherham Smoking Cessation Manager said: “New Year is a time when most of us make resolutions around getting fitter and healthier and there is no better way to improve your health, and wealth for that matter, than to stop smoking. You are ten times more likely to quit with the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service compared to will power alone so this is your chance to access the right help and support and kick the habit. Within hours of stopping smoking the damaging effects of smoking start to reverse and very soon you will feel a whole lot healthier.”
The Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre offers advice without an appointment, clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support. It is open on Mondays 10am-5pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9m to 5pm, Thursdays 9am -11:30am and 12:30 - 5pm, Fridays 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
The Stop Smoking Centre in the concourse of Rotherham Hospital is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm – again clients do not need an appointment. A member of the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service will be on hand to provide support to patients, visitors and staff.
Anyone who would like to stop smoking and would like to join the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, should telephone 01709 302444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to book an appointment with a Stop Smoking Specialist at a convenient time and venue or speak to your GP.
For more information on smokefree visit www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk
Remember:
•Each cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals – many of which are highly toxic and over fifty of the chemicals are cancer causing.
•Cigarettes cause wrinkles, yellow teeth, bad breath, psoriasis and lank hair.
•Smokers are more likely to store fat around the waist and upper torso rather than around the hips, which is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems and (in women) cancer of the womb and breast.
•The financial benefits of stopping smoking are huge with 20 a day smoker saving on average £2,000 per year when quitting.
Contact the Stop Smoking Service on 302444 today and give yourself a healthy start to the New Year.
NHS Rotherham has launched a major Stop Smoking Campaign in GP practices across Rotherham, with an aim to reduce the number of smokers in the area as we enter the New Year.
The ‘Be a Life Saver’ campaign is asking GPs and healthcare professionals from practices across Rotherham to refer at least one smoker a week to the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service in a bid to improve the health of local people.
GPs and healthcare professionals will be asking patients who smoke to consider quitting and those who agree will be referred to smoking cessation specialists at the Stop Smoking Service.
NHS Rotherham Tobacco Control Lead, Khamis Al-Alawy, said: “One in five deaths in Rotherham is cause by smoking so by referring someone to the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service it could literally save their life. By working with GPs and healthcare professionals we hope to raise awareness of the support available through our excellent Stop Smoking Services in Rotherham. New Year is a great time for people to consider making improvements to their health and stopping smoking is the best thing someone can do to improve their health.”
NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, Simon Lister, said: “Last year alone we helped 2,000 smokers stop. Most smokers try to quit smoking on their own without support.The evidence clearly shows that by getting support from Local Stop Smoking Services you are up to ten times more likely to quit compared to will power alone. I really recommend that smokers come along to our service to give themselves the best chance of quitting, not only could they add years to their life but they could save thousand of pounds per year. “
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service provides free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of a group, one to one or telephone support.Stop smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day and some evenings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit.Drop-in sessions are held in Rawmarsh Health Centre, Dinnington Clinic and the Sandygate Hotel at Wath.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of NRT, for example patches or gum, or Zyban. Quitters do not have to use products but those who do will receive the appropriate support and advice to ensure they choose the ones from which they will benefit the most.
The Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre offers advice without an appointment, clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support.It is open on Mondays 10am-5pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9m to 5pm, Thursdays 9am -11:30am and 12:30 - 5pm, Fridays 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
The Stop Smoking Centre in the concourse of RotherhamHospital is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm – again clients do not need an appointment.A member of the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service will be on hand to provide support to patients, visitors and staff.
Anyone who would like to stop smoking and would like to join the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, should telephone 01709 302444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to book an appointment with a Stop Smoking Specialist at a convenient time and venue or speak to your GP.
The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is laying down a challenge to smokers to join the Great No Smoking Day Challenge next week when the annual No Smoking Day marks its 25th anniversary.
The national campaign is the first since smokefree legislation was introduced in England last year, and research shows millions of people pledging to take part.
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service will be holding an event in All Saints Square between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday 12th March to mark the day and encourage smokers in Rotherham to take the national challenge.
There will be a whole host of fun activities including low tight rope walking, juggling and plate spinning. Circus entertainers will be on hand to encourage members of the public to get involved and assist them with the activities, prizes are available for those that get involved and at the same time members of Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking service will be available offering free support and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
The Challenge invites smokers to commit to a smokefree week. Quitters then receive free quit packs, text messages and emails, building confidence, highlighting health benefits and providing encouragement to go on to make a lifelong commitment.
Another new development for 2008 sees participants encouraged to seek sponsorship to support a charity of their choice, either via a dedicated JustGiving web page or using the Challenge sponsorship form. Research suggests that quitters are more likely to succeed if they secure the support of family and friends.
No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness campaign that helps smokers that want to stop. The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984 and it takes place on the second Wednesday in March. The campaign is now in its 25th year and is a firm fixture in the Rotherham calendar because of its continuing success.
On No Smoking Day the Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre will be open extended hours, from 9am to 8pm. Smokers wanting to quit will also be able to take advantage of an offer for two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which will be available to everyone accessing the service between 12th March and 12th April. It will be given in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed at most Rotherham pharmacies.
Simon Lister, Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “We know that many smokers would like to quit their habit but are reluctant to seek help. By providing free support and nicotine replacement therapy we hope that many smokers will use it as a first stage of quitting their habit and a first step to improving their health and making a fresh start.
“No Smoking Day is the perfect time to think about breaking the smoking habit and join thousands of other smokers across the country in giving up for good and starting on your way towards a healthier and better lifestyle.”
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service provides free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of a group, one to one or telephone support. Stop smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day and some evenings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit. Drop-in sessions are held in Rawmarsh Health Centre, Dinnington Clinic and the Sandygate Hotel at Wath. Contact the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service for details.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of NRT, for example patches or gum, or Zyban. Quitters do not have to use products but those who do will receive the appropriate support and advice to ensure they choose the ones from which they will benefit the most.
The Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre offers advice without an appointment, clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support. It is open on Mondays and Wednesdays 9m to 5pm, Tuesdays 9am – 8pm, Wednesdays 9m -5pm (8pm on Wednesday 12th March), Thursday 12.30-4.30pm, Fridays 9.15am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
The new Stop Smoking Centre in the concourse of Rotherham Hospital is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm – again clients do not need an appointment. A member of the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service will be on hand to provide support to patients, visitors and staff.
Anyone who would like to quit smoking and would like to join the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, should telephone 01709 302444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to book an appointment with a Stop Smoking Specialist at a convenient time and venue or look out for a variety of other events taking place in local GP practices, youth clubs and pharmacies.
Did you know, after you stop smoking you have:
•Improved skin – stopping smoking improves circulation giving you a radiant complexion
•Sparkling smile – get back fresh breath and stop the yellow teeth look that comes from smoking
•Improved sense of taste and smell
•Better sex life – smoking can create hormonal imbalances which decrease libido
•Enormous health benefits:
After 20 minutes without smoking your blood pressure and pulse return to normal
After 48 hours there is no nicotine left in the body.
After 2 - 12 weeks circulation improves, making walking and running a lot easier
•Reduced stress levels and physical activity is easier.
For more information about The Great No Smoking Day Challenge, visit: www.nosmokingday.org.uk
The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is opening a new Stop Smoking Centre on the main concourse at Rotherham General Hospital to help smokers to kick the habit.
The new high visibility support service for those wishing to stop smoking has been established to provide an advice service and information about the range of help available to those who want to quit smoking.
The new centre will be run by Rotherham Primary Care Trust’s Stop Smoking Service staff and is available for patients, visitors and staff to get support or simply find out more. The centre is an excellent new facility that will also enable staff to point patients in the direction of help.
Stop Smoking Specialist for Rotherham PCT, Zahra Velji said: “The opening of the centre is another step forward in tackling the problems that smoking causes. Smoking remains the biggest single cause of preventable illness and death in the UK and this new facility will help us to reach those people for whom stopping smoking can make a massive difference.
“We have been working hard on promoting the ‘Stop before your Op’ campaign, encouraging patients to quit before surgery to reduce their chances of post operative complications and increase the healing process. I am hopeful that having a centre here will help us to reach more people and make a difference in their lives.”
The Stop Smoking Centre will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and to make it easier to access the service, people can call in without an appointment during that time. A member of the stop smoking team will be on hand to provide support to patients, visitors and staff and as an additional incentive the Stop Smoking service is offering all clients attending in January, two weeks Nicotine Replacement Therapy absolutely FREE.
Each year thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking. Many try and many fail because they don’t receive the right help and support.
Stopping smoking is the single greatest influence a person can have on their health and quitting is the best start you can give yourself to the New Year.
For those who smoke and want to quit, the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service can provide free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of group or one to one support. Research shows that by enlisting the help of the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service you are up to four times more likely to stop smoking and stay quit.
Stop Smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day and some evenings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit. Initially all quitters attend weekly sessions for up to a seven weeks, after which they can attend less frequently to receive further help and support. The first session includes assessing your smoking habit, and explains the free support that is available.
As well as the new Stop Smoking Centre at Rotherham General Hospital, the service also operates a shop in the town centre on Bridgegate. No appointment is necessary clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support. The shop is open Mondays - 10am - 5pm; Tuesdays - 9am - 8pm; Wednesdays and Fridays - 9am – 5pm; Thursdays - 1pm - 5pm and Saturdays 10am - 1pm.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, for example patches or gum, or Zyban. Quitters do not have to use products but those who do will receive the appropriate support and advice to ensure they choose the ones from which they will benefit the most.
Simon Lister, Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Manager, said: “New Year is a time when most of us make resolutions around getting fitter and healthier and there is no better way to improve your health than to stop smoking. Within just a matter of hours the damaging effects of smoking start to reverse and very soon you will feel a whole lot healthier.”
Anyone who would like to quit smoking and would like to join the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, should either drop-in to one of the two Stop Smoking Shops (Bridgegate or Rotherham General Hospital) or telephone 01709 302444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to book an appointment with a Quit Smoking Specialist at a convenient time and venue or look out for a variety of other events taking place in local GP's, youth clubs and pharmacies.
REASONS TO STOP SMOKING:
You know that smoking damages your body internally – especially your heart and lungs – but what about visible damage? Cigarettes have an ageing effect on your body in a number of ways:
1.Skin – smoking can cause skin to take on a greyish appearance for a number of reasons. Firstly, it reduces circulation, thus restricting the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients that the skin needs. In addition, tobacco smoke in the environment causes the skin to dry up.
2.Wrinkles – squinting your eyes because of tobacco smoke and puckering your mouth to take a drag of a cigarette causes wrinkles to appear around your mouth and eyes.
3.Lack of skin elasticity – smoking causes a reduction in the skin’s elasticity, so the more you smoke, the greater the risk of wrinkling; in fact a smoker in their 40’s may have as many wrinkles as a non-smoker in their 60’s.
4.Yellow teeth – smoking causes a yellowing of the teeth.
5.Bad breath – alongside yellow teeth, smoking also causes halitosis.
6.Red eyes – irritating tobacco smoke can make your eyes red.
7.Hands – long-standing smokers may suffer from discoloured fingers and fingernails on the hand that holds the cigarettes.
8.Psoriasis – smokers have a two to three times higher risk of developing this chronic, sometimes disfiguring, skin condition than non-smokers.
9.Body shape – smokers are more likely to store fat around the waist and upper torso rather than around the hips, so creating a higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems and (in women) cancer of the womb and breast.
10.Lank hair – smoking can make your hair dull and lank.
11.Dark shadows – smokers tend to have dark shadows under their eyes.
Rotherham United players have joined a campaign to urge smokers in Rotherham to show cigarettes the red card.
Players are backing the Big Quit campaign, set up to offer local people the help and support they need to quit smoking for good. Research shows people accessing NHS support are four times more likely to successfully quit smoking.
Graham Coughlan, Club Captain at Rotherham United said: “Smoking has a serious effect on your health – there is no way you could smoke and play football like me, you have to really look after yourself. Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and I would really encourage people get in touch with their local stop smoking service to help them kick the habit for good!”
Zahra Velji a Stop Smoking Specialist from the Rotherham Local Stop Smoking Service, said: “It’s great that Rotherham United are helping the NHS to tackle one of the biggest killers in the area. Quitting smoking can be hard and that’s why the Rotherham Local Stop Smoking Service offers free support and advice to local people who want to stop.”
“We are here to help and I’d urge anyone who wants to give up to give us a ring on 01709 302444.
The Rotherham Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre offers a drop-in service and access to a voucher scheme for those wanting NRT. Customers do not need to make an appointment, they can simply drop-in to start receiving free help and support to stop smoking.
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The shop is open Mondays and Wednesdays - 10am - 5pm; Tuesdays - 9am - 8pm; Thursdays - 1pm - 4.30pm; Fridays - 9am - 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am - 1pm.
A number of sessions also take place in venues across the borough offering support on a one-to-one basis from friendly trained staff. Telephone the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service on for details of your nearest session.
Big Quit Teams have been out and about in Rotherham offering free advice and information on local stop smoking services, advice on increasing your odds of quitting successfully and encouraging people to set a quit date. Specialist advisors have been carrying out CO2 tests and lung life checks to show people for themselves the effect that smoking has on their health.
Local radio DJs have also been encouraging listeners to sign up to The Big Quit Club and to stop smoking with through daily competitions, features, motivational emails and podcasts.
Would be quitters can visit www.gosmokefree.co.uk or the The Big Quit website www.bigquit.co.uk where they will find top tips on how to quit, information on the local NHS Stop Smoking Services in their area, a downloadable smokefree wallchart, and a message wall to swap quitting tips with other Big Quitters.
BIQ QUIT TEAMS OUT AND ABOUT IN ROTHERHAM URGING SMOKERS TO QUIT
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is stepping up its bid to urge people to join The Big Quit Club and quit smoking for good.
Over the next three weeks, The Big Quit teams are going to be out and about across Yorkshire and the Humber encouraging people to join the Big Quit Club and give up smoking.
It’s part of a major effort to encourage more people to quit and maximise their chances of success.
Local commercial radio DJs have been encouraging listeners to sign up to The Big Quit Club and stop smoking through daily competitions, features, motivational e-mails and podcasts.
In Yorkshire and the Humber nearly one million adults smoke, with more people smoking in the region than the national average. Around half of those who smoke will die from a smoking-related cause.
Tobacco is the region's number one killer. Just under 10,000 people in the region die every year of smoking-related causes. Someone in our region dies as a result of smoking every hour, every day of the year.
Recent research from the NHS Smokefree campaign revealed that around two thirds of smokers have considered quitting and are influenced by a range of different factors: 1
•63 per cent said they want to save money
•62 per cent were worried about long term health
•38 per cent looked forward to their clothes and hair smelling less
•31 per cent were encouraged to quit by friends or family
•30 per cent said the new laws have made smoking less convenient.
The Big Quit Team will be in Rotherham over the coming week offering free advice and information on local stop smoking services, how to increase your odds of quitting successfully and encouraging people to set a date to quit. Specialist advisors will be on hand carrying out CO2 tests and lung life checks so that people can see for themselves the effect that smoking is having on their health. The team will be in the following locations:
•Friday 9th November, 9am to 6pm at Rotherham Bus Station
•Sunday 11th November, 10am to 4pm at Tesco, Wath
•Tuesday 13th November, 8.30am to 4.30pm at Rotherham Market
•Thursday 15th November, 9am to 6pm at ASDA, Aldwarke Lane
The local stop smoking service in Rotherham offers free advice and support, using a tried and tested programme to help you stop smoking and stay stopped. It offers flexible support to meet your needs including group or one-to-one sessions or telephone support. Sessions are run in local venues across Rotherham at various times of the day, including some evenings.
The Service also operates a Stop Smoking Shop at 16 Bridgegate in Rotherham town centre, you don't need to make an appointment, just turn up! The shop is open Mondays and Wednesdays - 10am - 5pm; Tuesdays - 9am - 8pm; Thursdays - 1pm - 4.30pm; Fridays - 9am - 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am - 1pm.
Simon Lister, Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “People can often make six or seven attempts to go smokefree but taking the first step is what’s important and getting the right help to do so. You are up to four times more likely to succeed in quitting with Nicotine Replacement Therapy and the support of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service than you are by willpower alone. Through The Big Quit we want to encourage people to quit smoking for good with the support of the NHS.”
The campaign follows the success of last year’s The Big Quit where half the people who heard about it agreed that it had made them more likely to quit smoking, 20% said they had set a quit date, and 12% claimed to have quit smoking completely. 2
Would be quitters should log onto their local radio station's website or visit The Big Quit website www.bigquit.co.uk where they will find top tips on how to quit, information on the local NHS Stop Smoking Services in their area, a downloadable smokefree wallchart, and a message wall to swap quitting tips with other Big Quitters.
NHS staff, community members and businesses are getting together next week to develop a borough-wide approach to limiting the harm caused by tobacco on health in Rotherham.
The event, on Wednesday 7th November at the New Life Centre in Canklow will be determining new innovative approaches to tobacco control to put into an action plan to reduce the effects of tobacco in Rotherham
It follows on from the success of the introduction of the smokefree legislation on 1st July, which has seen smoking banned from all workplaces and public spaces.
Khamis Al-alawy, Tobacco Control Lead at Rotherham Primary Care Trust, said: “Smoking remains the number one cause of premature death across the North of England and over half the difference in life expectancy between our most and least affluent groups is due to smoking. The smokefree legislation introduced earlier this summer is a milestone in what has been a long journey to substantially reduce the health inequalities caused by tobacco on our communities. This Open Event is the first step towards the production of a high level action plan across all the partners in Rotherham.
The event has been organised by Rotherham Primary Care Trust (PCT) alongside Rotherham Metropolitan borough Council, Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Voluntary Action Rotherham.
Research shows that smokers are unsure about the relative risk and harm caused by tobacco. Smoking is associated with over 20 fatal conditions and is responsible for many illnesses and complications related to children, including sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight and asthma.
People who access local services such as the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service are up to four times more likely to quit.
Figures show that more people in Rotherham than ever before are wanting to quit. In the first half of this year (1st April to 30th September) 2,105 people have accessed the service and set a quit date. In the whole 12-moth period in the previous year (1st April to 31st March) just 1,013 set a quit date.
The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on 01709 302444. Alternatively call into the Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre for free advice and information to help you to stop smoking. The shop is open Mondays and Wednesdays - 10am - 5pm; Tuesdays - 9am - 8pm; Thursdays - 1pm - 4.30pm; Fridays - 9am - 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am - 1pm.
Photo Opportunity:
The event takes place on 7th November at the New Life Centre, Canklow between 10am and 1pm. A photocall will take place at 10.40am.
Rotherham Primary Care Trust is supporting the raise of the age of sale for tobacco products from 16 to 18, which has been implemented today (Monday 1st October).
Retailers are now required by law not to sell tobacco products to under 18s and will need to display a statutory notice stating the new legal age restriction.
New research by YouGov has revealed that 74% of adults in Yorkshire believe it makes sense to raise the minimum age for the sale of tobacco to 18 in line with alcohol. This backs up evidence from Ireland that shows the same law change there played a key role in reducing prevalence of teenage smoking.
Khamis Al-alawy, Tobacco Control Lead for Rotherham, said: “The legislation has been introduced to stop young people becoming addicted to nicotine. The younger a smoker starts the more likely they are to be killed by their addiction, and someone who starts smoking at 15 is three times as likely to die from cancer due to smoking as someone who starts in their mid-20s.”
The Government estimates that raising the purchase age to 18 will result in a fall in cigarette consumption of around 14% among 11-16 year olds. Longer term, the impact of this measure will be to cut smoking rates among adults by about 0.5%. The cost savings to the NHS through reduced smoking are estimated to be up to £6 million.
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: “We are determined to reduce the number of young people who smoke. Raising the legal age of sale to 18 will make it easier for retailers to spot under-age smokers and lead to less young people becoming addicted to nicotine and continuing to smoke into adulthood.
“Research shows that the younger people start the more likely they are to become life-long smokers and die early. This change in law highlights our commitment to protect our children and will potentially save thousands of lives and others will be spared the misery of watching family and friends die prematurely from smoke related illnesses.”
The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said: “I welcome the raising of the legal age for buying tobacco to 18 years. This will result in fewer young people becoming addicted to nicotine, something which ultimately results in early death from cancer and other smoking related illnesses.
“The initiative is another important step in helping to prevent people from taking up smoking in the first place, and in the longer term will help to reduce the burden that smoking causes in our country”.
The campaign is backed up by two websites:
www.tobacco18.co.uk – which is aimed at young people directly affected
www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk – for retailers and other stakeholders interested in the change
An advertising campaign has been undertaken across Yorkshire in recent weeks, accompanied by the strapline ‘You can try, but it won’t work’, the ads feature teenagers trying to look older whilst asking for cigarettes in a shop. Copies of the ads and pictures of them in situ are available from the contact details below. Some can also be viewed at http://www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk/signage.html#poster
New research shows that one in twenty smokers claim to have quit since the smokefree legislation on 1st July and over half of smokers in Yorkshire and The Humber have thought about quitting.
Quitting smoking is not easy and in recognition that those who have claimed to have quit might not have maintained it, the NHS Smokefree campaign has joined forces with local commercial radio, including Rother FM to launch a nationwide campaign to encourage people to quit smoking for good with the support of the NHS.
People need to plan their quit attempt and stick to it. To help, Rother FM will be encouraging listeners to sign up to The Big Quit Club and quit smoking through daily competitions, motivational e-mails, podcasts and other fun, supportive and engaging content.
For smokers in Yorkshire and the Humber who want to quit, the research also found the following key factors play a role in their decision:
•65% - worried about long term health
•61% - to save money
•43% - clothes and hair will smell less
•39% - friends/family have encouraged the quit attempt
•22% - the new laws have made smoking less convenient
Marcus Bentley, the voice of The Big Quit podcasts, as well as TV’s Big Brother, said: “It’s great that so many smokers have thought about quitting and realise the benefits it could bring. Stopping smoking is a major achievement, and with the help of their local radio stations and free NHS support, I hope as many smokers as possible get involved in The Big Quit and that their friends and families provide encouragement as well.”
The Big Quit campaign launched on 24th September and will run for six weeks.
For three weeks prior to the launch date, DJs have been sowing the seeds of quitting in people’s minds and encouraging them to prepare to start quitting for good from 24th September. A ‘Take it one day at a time’ calendar will tell quitters how they might be feeling as they start to quit and remind them of the benefits and the daily podcast will carry advice on coping with cravings. Quitters will also be encouraged and rewarded on a daily basis.
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service has teamed up with the ‘Big Quit’ to raise the profile of the service. In addition to the radio campaign we will be running a series of events throughout September and October aimed at encouraging smokers to quit with our help:
•1st October, 10am to 2pm - Stall in All Saints Square to promote the re-opening of our Drop-in Centre at 16 Bridgegate.
•12th October, 12noon to 2pm – stall at Manheim Car Auctions
•20th October, 3pm to 5pm – Rotherham United Football Club event (Including free Nicotine Replacement Therapy for all clients who attend for support and entry into a prize draw with the chance to win 2 executive package tickets for an Rotherham United FC game)
•25th October, 10am to 3pm – Hop on the Stop Smoking Bus at Parkgate Retail World
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service provides flexible support to help smokers stop, including group and one to one sessions and telephone support and better still all these services are FREE. Sessions are run in local venues across Rotherham at various times of the day, including some evenings. For details of a session near you call Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service 01709 302444 or speak to the staff in your GP surgery. Quitting smoking is not easy, however you are up to four times more likely to succeed in quitting with Nicotine Replacement Therapy and the support of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service than you are by willpower alone.
Simon Lister Service Manager for Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service said: “The Big Quit campaign represents a great opportunity to encourage smokers to quit. Stopping smoking remains the single most important thing anyone can do to improve their health and will save the average smoker nearly £2,000 per year! Millions of people will try to stop smoking each year and the message I would like to get across to them is that stopping with our help is the most successful way of quitting and is 4 times more successful than will power alone.”
The campaign follows the success of last year’s The Big Quit where half the people who heard about it agreed that it had made them more likely to quit smoking, 20% said that they had set a quit date, and most importantly, 12% claimed to have stopped smoking completely.
To join The Big Quit, would be quitters in Rotherham should log onto http://www.rotherfm.co.uk or visit The Big Quit microsite: www.thebigquit.co.uk. Here smokers can access top tips on how to quit, get information on the local NHS Stop Smoking Services in their area, download podcasts or simply use the message wall to swap tips on how to quit.
To help people to quit, the NHS offers a range of free support. Would-be-quitters can call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 or visit The Big Quit website to find the option that’s right for them. Whether it’s using a free local NHS Stop Smoking Service, joining the Together Programme, or finding out more about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), support is there for those wanting to quit and increases your chances of going smokefree for good.
The research was conducted by YouGov in August 2007. Out of the 527 people interviewed in Yorkshire and The Humber, 20 per cent said they were smokers, 1% (one in twenty) claim to have quit smoking since 1st July and a further 2% claim to have quit in the past six months. The latest official prevalence rate for Yorkshire and the Humber was 25% (General Household Survey 2005).
MUMS-TO-BE ENCOURAGED TO STOP SMOKING AND GIVE THEIR BABIES A FRESH START
In support of Pregnancy Health Month (September) Rotherham Primary Care Trust is raising awareness of the dangers of smoking during pregnancy and encouraging mums-to-be to give themselves and their unborn babies a fresh start.
Women who smoke during their pregnancy not only endanger their health but also significantly increase their chances of miscarrying the risk of causing lasting health related problems for their baby.
The most notable risk is a low birth weight, which greatly increases the chances of perinatal mortality (still births and deaths within the first week of life). Parents who continue to smoke after the birth of their child are also putting their baby at risk of cot death, middle ear infections, chest infections and asthmatic attacks.
Low birth weight babies are also more likely to suffer cardio-vascular disease in later life.
In Rotherham an estimated 22.5% of expectant mothers continue to smoke. The national target is to reduce smoking in pregnancy to 15% before 2010, however, health professionals agree that the ideal target would be for no mothers to smoke during pregnancy.
Khamis Al-alawy, Tobacco Control Lead for Rotherham Primary Care Trust, said: “Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to give your unborn baby the very best start in life and to improve your own health. Obviously it is best to stop smoking before you become pregnant, however there are clear benefits to stopping at every stage during your pregnancy.”
Help is available for expectant mothers who wish to stop smoking. The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service has specially trained staff who work with pregnant women and they also work closely with midwives to offer support. Evidence shows that people who receive help from their local stop smoking service are four times more likely to stop smoking than those who go it alone.
There are many benefits to stopping smoking during pregnancy, both for the expectant mother and for the unborn baby, these include:
Benefits for the baby:
•Increases the amount of oxygen to the baby
•Increases the chances of good lung function
•Lowers the risk of the baby being born premature
•Increases the chance of a normal-weight, healthy baby.
•Increases the chances of the baby leaving hospital with its mother.
Benefits for the expectant mother:
•More energy and easier breathing
•Saves money
•Cleaner smelling clothes, hair, and home
•Improved taste
•Feel good factor
For free help and support to stop smoking contact the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on 01709 3024444.
Maltby Colliery Limited introduced smokefree policy two weeks early after working closely with Smokefree Rotherham and employees.
A working group at the Colliery consulted with staff around introducing a Smokefree Policy and received support from the majority of their workforce to go smokefree ahead of 1st July.
A questionnaire completed by 62% of employees showed that almost three quarters (73%) of staff who smoke would be interested in receiving help to quit. Rotherham Stop Smoking Service is now in discussion with Maltby Colliery Limited to provide support to those staff are interested in stopping smoking.
Khamis Al-alawy, Smokefree Rotherham Co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help Maltby Colliery to implement this legislation early. The mining industry traditionally has a high prevalence of smokers and the work that has been carried out here sets a good example of how smokefree can have a positive impact on the workplace and on employees who want to stop smoking.”
Steve Dabell, Safety Engineer, at Maltby Colliery, said: “A smokefree environment provides a cleaner, better and healthier workplace for all of our 503 employees. After consulting with our staff and gearing up for the introduction of the legislation we felt that we were ready to go ahead without waiting for the 1st July deadline. This process was made a lot easier thanks to the excellent support we received from Smokefree Rotherham.”
To help smokers to quit in the run up to the new legislation Rotherham Stop Smoking Service has launched a ‘Cigarette Amnesty’. Any smoker attending one of their sessions throughout June and July will be entitled to free support and 2 weeks worth of FREE nicotine replacement therapy in return for handing in their cigarettes.
Simon Lister, Stop Smoking Service Manager said: “We know that the introduction of the new smokefree legislation will encourage many smokers to stop and we want to do all we can to help smokers to reap the benefits of stopping smoking. Research has shown that smokers who use an NHS Stop Smoking Service are four times more likely to stop smoking for good compared to willpower alone and are much more effective than methods such as hypnosis or acupuncture.”
The Rotherham Stop Smoking Service provides drop-in, group or one-to-one sessions across Rotherham during the day and some evenings. In the town centre the Stop Smoking Shop has recently extended its opening hours to include Saturday mornings. The shop is on Bridgegate and smokers can just call in for help and advice.
The Rotherham Stop Smoking Service provides free friendly advice and support to suit your needs. The service is free and is available in group or one-to-one sessions in your local community or even in you own home. For more information contact Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01709 302444.
Smokefree Rotherham, a partnership group made up of representatives from the NHS, Rotherham Council and Rotherham Chamber, has been created to help local businesses and organisations implement the upcoming smokefree legislation.
For more information visit: www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk
Despite there being 19 days left before England goes smokefree, The Mason Arms (Greene King) in Wickersley, has decided it is now or never.
Customers and staff have been discussing the effects secondhand smoke has on health and felt it was time to go smokefree ahead of the new law, which comes into force on 1st July.
Just a few months ago the Masons Arms underwent refurbishment and smoking has been restricted to just one section of the pub. However, following customer support and a recent change of management the Masons Arms will become completely smokefree on 11th June, 2007.
Pub Manger Neil Moore said: “I have worked in this industry for many years and as an ex-smoker I support the introduction of smokefree law. In 1995, I was one of the first managers in England to ban smoking at the bar. Over the years my experience has taught me that secondhand smoke is harmful and I myself stopped smoking six years ago. I have recently moved to Rotherham and was overwhelmed with the support to go smokefree. Smokers are now being asked by staff and our customers to go outside.”
Khamis Al-alawy, Rotherham Smokefree Co-ordinator, said: “Secondhand smoke is the biggest workplace killer - just 30 minutes of secondhand smoke is enough to reduce blood flow to heart. From 1st July managers will have legal responsibility to prevent anyone from smoking on their work premises and in work vehicles and will need to ensure that ‘no-smoking’ signs are displayed at each entrance to their premises and on their work vehicles”.
To help smokers to quit in the run up to the new legislation Rotherham Stop Smoking Service has launched a ‘Cigarette Amnesty’. Any smoker attending one of their sessions throughout June and July will be entitled to free support and 2 weeks worth of FREE nicotine replacement therapy in return for handing in their cigarettes.
Simon Lister, Stop Smoking Service Manager said: “We know that the introduction of the new smokefree legislation will encourage many smokers to stop and we want to do all we can to help smokers to reap the benefits of stopping smoking. Research has shown that smokers who use an NHS Stop Smoking Service are four times more likely to stop smoking for good compared to willpower alone and are much more effective than methods such as hypnosis or acupuncture.”
The Rotherham Stop Smoking Service provides drop-in, group or one-to-one sessions across Rotherham during the day and some evenings. In the town centre the Stop Smoking Shop has recently extended its opening hours to include Saturday mornings. The shop is on Bridgegate and smokers can just call in for help and advice.
The Rotherham Stop Smoking Service provides free friendly advice and support to suit your needs. The service is free and is available in group or one-to-one sessions in your local community or even in you own home. For more information contact Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01709 30 2444.
Smokefree Rotherham, a partnership group made up of representatives from the NHS, Rotherham Council and Rotherham Chamber, has been created to help local businesses and organisations implement the upcoming smokefree legislation.
For more information visit: www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk
With one month to go before England goes smokefree, there’s a final chance for businesses in the region can find out what they need to do at the region’s smokefree conference in Rotherham this Friday (1st June).
Speakers include Rother Valley MP and Health Select Committee Chairman, Kevin Barron, Yorkshire and the Humber’s Director of Public Health Professor Paul Johnstone and Paul Williams, Environmental Health Officer from Doncaster with responsibility for enforcing the new rules.
Your businesses in the region which have gone smokefree will outline how they went about making their workplace smokefree.
Twenty one businesses from across South Yorkshire are receiving awards for exceptional effort in making their workplace smokefree and in helping their employees to stop smoking. (Details of businesses receiving the awards can be found below).
Paul Johnstone says:“This is one of the most important public health legislations in the past 50 years and will go along way in helping us to make Yorkshire and the Humber a healthier place to live, learn and work.”
Local authorities are co-ordinating smokefree implementation teams and local experts have been inundated with queries from businesses about the legislation and how to get help.Interest has been particularly strong from pubs and clubs in the region and recent workshops for the hospitality trade at Wetherby, York, Halifax and Doncaster have been fully booked.
Smokers are viewing the legislation positively too. With over 70% of smokers wanting to kick the habit, they are seeing it as an opportunity to quit or at least cut down.
The regional smokefree conference is taking place at Rotherham Primary Care Trust’s Learning and Development facility at Oak House, Moorhead Way, Bramley, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 1YY between 10am and 1pm.
Photo Opportunity:
Photographers and reporters are welcome to attend the conference and take photos throughout.There will also be the opportunity for a photocall during the break at 11.10am.Speakers, businesses and smokefree leads will be available during the break for interviews.
The full programme for the event is:
09:30 Registration & Coffee
10:00 Welcome from the Chair – Rotherham PCT Chairman Alan Tolhurst
10:10 Key Milestones and the importance of Smokefree - Kevin Barron MP
10:20 Award Presentations
10:45 Excellence in Tobacco Control presentation
10:50 Tobacco Control: State of the Region - Paul Johnstone
11:10 Coffee break
11:30 Smokefree, regulations, implications and solutions – Paul Williams
11:50 Questions for the Panel
12:00 Best Practice Case Study 1 – Rotherham
12:10 Best Practice Case Study 2 – Doncaster
12:20 Best Practice Case Study 3 – Barnsley
12:30 Best Practice Case Study 4 – Sheffield
12:40 Smokefree EnglandDVD
12:50 Closing remarks from Chair/Evaluation
13:00Lunch and networking
The following businesses from across Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley will receive awards at the conference:
Business breakfast boost ahead of new smoking laws
With only 38 days (as of Thursday 24 May) until the new smoking legislation comes into effect, businesses in Rotherham are being invited to attend a free breakfast session to find out just what the changes mean to them.
The event – hosted by Smokefree Rotherham – will take place on Thursday 31 May between 7.30am and 8.30am at the Dinnington Resource Centre, Laughton Road, Dinnington.
Those attending will be able to find out about how the new law will affect them in practice and pick up smokefree resources and signage for their premises.
To confirm attendance, businesses are asked to call 01709 302093 or book online at www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk.
Rotherham is under starters orders – the 100 day countdown to Smokefree England begins this week on Friday 23rd March.
To mark the date Rotherham is hosting an event for the media to come along and find out more about the forthcoming legislation and to launch the Smokefree Rotherham website (www.smokefreerotherham.co.uk). It will take place at Disraeli’s, 2 Doncaster Gate, Rotherham and will involve representatives from Rotherham Primary Care Trust, Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and local pub managers.
A number of short presentations will outline the reasons for going smokefree, an overview of the regulations and the role of Neighbourhood Standards in enforcing the legislation. Journalists will then have the opportunity to ask questions.
Disraeli’s will also receive a Platinum Smokefree Award. Platinum Awards are for businesses that are introducing smokefree premises in advance of the 01 July 2007 and provide staff with ‘stop smoking support’.
Following the presentations there will be an opportunity to attend the Rotherham Stop Smoking Shop at 16 Bridgegate, to find out more about how Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is gearing up for the new legislation and working with smokers who want to quit ahead of the legislation.
Khamis Al-alawy, Rotherham Smokefree Co-ordinator, said: “This is one of the most important pieces of public health legislation England has seen in the past 50 years and will go along way in helping us make Rotherham a healthier place to live and work. We are really pleased to see Disraeli’s take leadership in going smokefree early. Disraeli’s is one of many Rotherham businesses that have decided to get ahead and go smokefree before the 01 July 2007 date”.
Mark Ford, the Rotherham Council’s Neighbourhood Standards Manager, whose teams are working with businesses to ensure the law is complied with, said “Smokefree Rotherham is a real partnership that can make a difference in helping businesses advise, guide and promote healthy smokefree environment for both their staff and customers. Experience elsewhere, such as Scotland, showed that the introduction of the smoking ban was taken responsibly by the vast majority of businesses and smokers; no doubt the same will happen here in Rotherham”
Smokefree Rotherham, a partnership group made up of representatives from the NHS, Local Authority and Rotherham Chamber, has been created to help local businesses and organisations implement the upcoming smokefree legislation.
Anyone interested in stopping smoking, can contact Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01709 302444. The service is free and is available in group or one-to-one sessions in your local community or even in you own home. Remember, you are four times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
Businesses and organisations interested in going smokefree should contact Khamis Al-alawy Smokefree Rotherham Co-ordinator on 01709 302731. Don’t wait till it’s too late!
Photo & Interview Opportunity:
Reporters and photographers are invited to attend the event on Friday at 10am at Disraeli’s on the corner of Wellgate and Doncaster Gate. It is expected that the event will last about an hour.
Smokefree Rotherham will present a Platinum Award to History and Heraldry, a giftware and card company, for their commitment to becoming a smokefree organisation.
History and Heraldry is one of a number of Rotherham organisations that has been working with Smokefree Rotherham to go smokefree before the introduction of the legislation on 1st July.
Platinum Awards are for businesses that are completely smokefree and offer stop smoking support to staff.
Khamis Al-Alawy, Smokefree Coordinator for Rotherham Primary Care Trust said: “We are delighted that History and Heraldry have worked with us to achieve a smokefree environment ahead of the forthcoming legislation to ban smoking in workplaces and public spaces. In doing so they are providing a much safer and cleaner environment for all staff, especially those who don’t smoke and protecting them against the dangers of passive smoking. They are also one step ahead in preparing for the ban and are setting an example to other businesses in Rotherham.”
The ban on public places and workplace smoking, set to come into effect summer 2007, is expected to result in a major improvement in people’s health and free up scarce resources for use elsewhere in the NHS.
Smoke Free Rotherham, a partnership group made up of representatives from the NHS, local authority and Rotherham Chamber, has been created to help local businesses and organisations implement the new legislation and create work premises and public places that are smokefree.
The purpose is to protect all workers from the toxic cocktail of over 4000 chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It's a popular move: a national survey found that 91% of adults favoured smoking restrictions in restaurants, 86% at work and 65% in pubs.
Anyone interested in stopping smoking, contact Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01709 30244. The service is free and is available in group or one-to –one sessions in your local community or even in your own home. Remember, you are four times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
Businesses and organisations interested in going smokefree should contact Khamis Al-alawy Smokefree Co-ordinator at 01709 302731. Don’t wait till it’s too late!
The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is gearing up for next week’s No Smoking Day (Wednesday 14th March), which is themed around giving smokers a ‘fresh start’.
The service is expecting an increase in the number of people wanting to quit ahead of this summer’s introduction of legislation to make all workplaces smokefree.
No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness campaign that helps smokers that want to stop. The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984 and it takes place on the second Wednesday in March. The campaign is now in its 24th year and is a firm fixture in the Rotherham calendar because of its continuing success. On No Smoking Day 2006 1.5 million smokers across the UK made a quit attempt and millions more used the Day to take a step towards stopping smoking.
It is estimated that 4 million people will use this year’s No Smoking Day to get a head start on quitting smoking before the smokefree legislation comes into place on 1st July.
On No Smoking Day the Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre will be open extended hours, from 9.15am to 8pm. During the day street performers will be in All Saints Square and on Bridgegate handing out fresh flowers and fruit.
Smokers wanting to quit will also be able to take advantage of an offer for two weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which will be available to everyone accessing the service between 14th March and the end of April. It will be given in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed at most Rotherham pharmacies.
Khamis Al-alawy, Smokefree Rotherham Co-ordinator said: "This year’s theme is about making a fresh start. It’s about making a change that improves the whole of your life. The campaign image reflects the stark difference between a smoke-filled and smokefree life - make a fresh start”.
Also on No Smoking Day the Brampton Healthy Living Centre is holding a drop-in session between 11am and 4pm. Support will be given to those wanting to get ahead of the introduction of smokefree workplaces on 1st July. Advice and information, free NRT patches and refreshments will be given out on the day or smokers can contact the Healthy Living Advice Centre by telephone on 01226 751646 for information about stop smoking sessions.
Simon Lister, Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “We know that many smokers would like to quit their habit but are reluctant to seek help. By providing free support and nicotine replacement therapy we hope that many smokers will use it as a first stage of quitting their habit and a first step to improving their health and making a fresh start.
“National No Smoking Day is the perfect time to think about breaking the smoking habit and join thousands of other smokers across the country in giving up for good and starting on your way towards a healthier and better lifestyle.”
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service provides free, confidential, support and advice either in the form of a group, one to one or telephone support. Stop smoking sessions are held regularly throughout Rotherham at various times of the day and some evenings to offer help and advice to anyone who would like to quit. Drop-in sessions are held in Rawmarsh Health Centre, Kimberworth Park Medical Centre, Dinnington Clinic and the Sandygate Hotel at Wath. Contact the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service for details.
Quitters can also access a number of treatments designed to help reduce the cravings and increase the chances of a successful quit. These include a variety of NRT, for example patches or gum, or Zyban. Quitters do not have to use products but those who do will receive the appropriate support and advice to ensure they choose the ones from which they will benefit the most.
The service also recently opened the Stop Smoking Shop on Bridgegate in the town centre. No appointment is necessary clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive support. It is open on Mondays from 9.15am to 5pm, Tuesdays 9.15am – 8pm, Wednesdays 9.15am -5pm (8pm on Wednesday 14th March), Fridays 9.15am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.
Tobacco and secondhand smoke contains 4,000 different chemicals, many of which are highly toxic and over fifty of the chemicals are cancer causing.
Anyone who would like to quit smoking and would like to join the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service, should telephone 01709 302444 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to book an appointment with a Stop Smoking Specialist at a convenient time and venue or look out for a variety of other events taking place in local GP's, youth clubs and pharmacies.
Did you know, after you stop smoking you have:
•Improved skin – stopping smoking improves circulation giving you a radiant complexion
•Sparkling smile – get back fresh breath and stop the yellow teeth look that comes from smoking
•Improved sense of taste and smell
•Better sex life – smoking can create hormonal imbalances which decrease libido
•The health benefit are enormous:
After 20 minutes without smoking your blood pressure and pulse return to normal
After 48 hours without smoking, there is no nicotine left in the body.
After 2 - 12 weeks without smoking, circulation improves, making walking and running a lot easier
•Once you have stopped smoking, your stress levels are reduced, physical activity is easier and you can have a better sex life!
The 6th of March sees the start of a major effort to stamp out cigarette butts from the streets in Rotherham. On that day Smokefree Rotherham is campaigning to help keep Rotherham streets clean from cigarette butts in line with National No Smoking Day (14/03/07) and the start of the 100-day count down (23/03/07) to smokefree England (01/07/07).
Streetpride estimates that 100 tonnes of smoking litter is dropped on to Rotherham streets every year. Cigarette litter is a big problem for many Local Authorities and difficult to clean from the streets. Tom Knight, Director of Rotherham Streetpride said “Rotherham Council through Streetpride is putting a lot of money and effort into residents concerns about cleaning up the environment and I would urge all smokers to do their bit by using a stubby pouch.
Those that don’t should be aware that over a hundred fines of £75 were issued last year in Rotherham for careless discarding of cigarette butts”
Khamis Al-alawy, Tobacco Control/Smokefree Co-ordinator for Rotherham said, “By handing out information on the local stop smoking service and stubby pouches, we hope to give smokers the chance to play a key part in keeping Rotherham streets clean”. We will be on the regional smokefree bus visiting Wath, Maltby and Rotherham Town Centre on the day and urge all smokers to get their free pouch and information on Rotherham’s fantastic stop smoking service. The service (01709 302444) offers flexible support on a one-to-one basis from friendly trained staff. No appointment is necessary clients can just ‘drop-in’ to see someone. It certainly beats receiving a hefty fine for littering.
One of the biggest myths about cigarette ends is that they quickly biodegrade. However cigarette ends are made from cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, and can take many years to decompose. Many smokers do not realise that their actions have such a lasting, negative impact on the environment. If every smoker dropped a cigarette end every week, we would be knee deep in 624 million cigarette ends within a year. The fact that we are not is because Local Authorities in the UK spend over £342 million a year on street cleaning and litter clearance.
The myth that cigarette ends are not litter is one which evidently the tobacco industry is keen to perpetuate. Most pop cans, snack wrappers and fast food containers include the message, “Please don’t litter”. But not on cigarette packs and yet they are the most common form of litter on our streets today.
The good news is that three out of four smokers want to quit and four out of five smokers say they would bin their cigarette ends if suitable containers were available. Surveys in America found that most smokers did not use their car ashtrays but instead flick their cigarette ends out the window.
ROTHERHAM SMOKERS URGED TO ‘SEND OFF’ THEIR FINAL FAGS
Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service is urging New Year quitters not to lose their resolve as they face their toughest test this week.
Two weeks on from New Year’s Day is the traditional time for most quit attempts to fail, but a new NHS campaign launching across the country this week aims to reassure smokers of the variety of free help available to them and encourage them to say goodbye to their habit for good.
The new ‘Send Off’ adverts, portray all the different, and often humorous, ways smokers can get rid of their last packet of cigarettes. Some of the methods include;
•Tying them to a punchbag
•Pinning them to an archery target
•Striking them with a golf club
•Pounding them with a telephone directory
•Drowning them in a puddle
•Morris dancing on them
The adverts demonstrate that there are as many different methods of quitting as there are types of smoker. Over 30% of people living in Rotherham smoke, but research shows the vast majority would like to stop. Smokers can also now choose from the following quit methods:
•Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service group sessions – local advice and support groups hosted by a trained stop smoking advisor.
•Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service one-to-one sessions – individual, one-to-one support and advice programme with a trained stop smoking advisor.
•www.gosmokefree.co.uk – NHS website with tips, tools and advice on giving up smoking.
•www.justgiving.com/smokefree - a fundraising website allowing smokers to give up and raise money for charity
•Nicotine Replacement Therapy – NRT is a method of giving your body nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking or chewing tobacco. There are a variety of forms available – patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs and inhalators – and it can double your chance of stopping. These are available on prescription if you use the Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service.
•Call in at Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service’s drop-in centre on Bridgegate in Rotherham (no appointment needed) – individual, one-to-one support and advice programme with a trained stop smoking advisor.
Simon Lister, Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but with the right help you can get rid of cigarettes for good. There’s never been more help available and there’s a way that’s right for you. Remember, you are up to four more times like to quit if you enlist the help of the Stop Smoking Service.”
If you want to see off your last cigarette, contact the Rotherham Stop Smoking Service on 01709 302444 for tailored help and advice.
The campaign coincides with the re-launch of the NHS smoking cessation website – www.gosmokefree.co.uk – which offers tips and advice on giving up smoking.
The Rotherham Stop Smoking Shop has been a huge hit amongst smokers in Rotherham that after just four months the opening hours have been extended.
From 1st February the shop, on Bridgegate in the town centre, will open additional hours on a Thursday between 1pm and 4.30pm.
The shop opened in September and so far 183 people have visited and spoken with a Stop Smoking Advisor. Of these, 155 people have set a quit date and over half (79 people) have been successful four-week quitters.
The Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Shop offers flexible support on a one-to-one basis from friendly trained staff. No appointment is necessary clients can just ‘drop-in’ to receive the service.
Simon Lister, Rotherham Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “We are delighted with the success of this facility, which provides another line of support for smokers who want to quit. Research shows that smokers are four more times likely to quit if they use the NHS Stop Smoking Service.
“We know that many smokers would like to quit their habit but are reluctant to seek help. By providing free support and access to nicotine replacement therapy in the town centre we hope that many more smokers will call in and take the first steps to quitting and improving their health.”
The facility is at 16 Bridgegate, Rotherham and is open on Mondays from 9.15am to 5pm, Tuesdays 9.15am – 8pm, Thursdays 1pm to 4.30pm and Fridays 9.15am to 4.30pm.
Two Rotherham hairdressers have received Good Air Awards in recognition of their provision of a smokefree environment.
Town centre hairdressers, The Salon on Wellgate and Pelo Bonito on Corporation Street have both worked with Rotherham Primary Care Trust (PCT) to achieve a smokefree environment for all staff and customers. In achieving the awards they recognise that for the majority of smokers the habit is addictive and, given the right conditions and encouragement, many would prefer to stop smoking. Both businesses were presented this week with their Good Air Awards.
The Good Air Award recognises the exceptional contributions made by employers across South Yorkshire and their willingness to work with the NHS to create more smoke free environments.
Chris Hughes, Manager at Pelo Bonito, said: “We banned smoking in our salon about six years ago and would recommend that other businesses follow suit before the legislation comes into force. The reaction from our customers to being smokefree has been extremely positive and has worked in our favour by actually increasing our customer base.”
Sam Harris, Manager of The Salon, said: “My staff and customers really appreciate a non-smoking environment in which to both work and to have their hair done. All businesses are going to have to go smokefree next year so it made complete sense to introduce the ban early and make a visit to our salon a pleasant experience for everyone involved.”
Khamis Al-Alawy, Tobacco Lead for Rotherham Primary Care Trust said: “We are delighted that The Salon and Pelo Bonito have worked with us to achieve a smokefree environment ahead of the forthcoming legislation to ban smoking in enclosed work and public places. In doing so they are providing a much safer and cleaner environment for all staff, especially those who don’t smoke and protecting them against the dangers of passive smoking.
“The Salon and Pelo Bonito represent the quality of leaders who will blaze the trail for the future of Rotherham. I would urge other businesses within Rotherham to continue to inspire their peers by example and leadership.”
The ban on workplace smoking, set to come into effect summer 2007, is expected to result in a major improvement in people’s health and free up scarce resources for use elsewhere in the NHS.
Smoke Free Rotherham, a partnership group made up of representatives from the NHS, Local Authority and Rotherham Chamber, has been created to help local businesses and organisations implement the new legislation and create work premises and public places that are smokefree.
The purpose is to protect all workers from the toxic cocktail of over 4000 chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It's a popular move: a national survey found that 91% of adults favoured smoking restrictions in restaurants, 86% at work and 65% in pubs.
The Government is currently consulting on proposals for how the ban will work in practice. The consultation runs until 9th October and seeks public opinion on issues such as should all hotel rooms be smokefree? What about railway platforms, sports stadium or the entrances to public buildings? If you have views about places you feel should or should not be smokefree, log onto: www.dh.uk/consultations/live consultations and let the Government know.
Anyone interested in stopping smoking, contact Rotherham NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01709 30244. The service is free and is available in group or one-to–one sessions in your local community or even in your own home. Remember, you are four times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
Businesses and organisations interested in going smokefree should contact Khamis Al-Alawy Smokefree Co-ordinator at 01709 302731. Don’t wait till it’s too late! Going smokefree is one of the best things an employer can do to improve health at the workplace.
UK TO LEAD THE WAY WITH PICTURE WARNINGS ON TOBACCO PACKETS
Graphic images illustrating the devastating effects that tobacco can have on health will be printed on all tobacco packets from next year Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced today.
The 15 images to be used were chosen following a consultation in 2006, market research and a public vote. The move makes the UK the first country in the EU to introduce such visual warnings on all tobacco products aimed at raising awareness, helping smokers who want to quit and further reducing smoking related illnesses.
Alan Johnson said:
“Picture warnings are the next vital step in reducing the number of people who smoke.We are committed to continuing to drive down smoking rates in the UK as smoking remains the number one cause of ill health and early death.
“We have already made a lot of progress with stark written warnings on cigarette packs.Today’s announcement, together with the introduction of the smokefree law last month and our plans to raise the legal age of sale for tobaccoproducts will potentially save thousands of lives and others will be spared the misery of watching family and friends die prematurely from smoke related illnesses.”
The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said:
I am delighted that the UK is introducing picture warnings on tobacco packs.This will help promote better awareness of the damage that smoking does to lives and families, an essential step towards reducing the number of people who start smoking.It will also free significant NHS staff and facilities to treat other conditions that are harder to prevent".
Elspeth Lee, senior tobacco control manager at Cancer Research UK, said:
"Cancer Research UK welcomes the introduction of picture warnings on
cigarette packets and we hope this is a step towards the plain, generic
packing of all tobacco products.International evidence shows that
graphic picture warnings lead to greater awareness of the risks
associated with smoking and help encourage people to cut down or quit
altogether."
During the consultation, for each message there was a choice of three pictures. The public and stakeholders were asked to register their view of the most effective warnings.
This announcement comes out of a commitment in the Choosing Health White Paper to introduce picture warnings on cigarette packs. The bank of images were developed by the European Commission in line with the 2001 Labelling Directive.This allowed member states to choose which images should be used and when they should be introduced.
Notes to Editors:
1.The new warnings will appear on cigarette packets from Autumn 2008 and other tobacco products the following year.
2.People can view the chosen picture warnings from 11.40am on the web at: www.dh.gov.uk/tobaccopackwarnings
3.Health warnings on tobacco packets have long been a method for informing smokers of the health risks associated with smoking and current written health warnings on tobacco packs have been in place in the UK since 2003.
4.For further information, media enquires only, please contact the Department of Health media centre on 020 7210 5221
