Birmingham City Council is encouraging residents across the city to take part in Stoptober this October, the national quit smoking campaign that has helped millions of people take their first step towards a smokefree life.
The council is backing the campaign as smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death. However, the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately, and research highlighted by the council shows that people who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
According to the council, giving up can improve physical health, boost wellbeing and even help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Quitting also benefits others, protecting family and friends from second-hand smoke, as well as leaving people with more money for the things that matter most to them.
The council is also reassuring anyone who has tried to stop before not to be discouraged. Many people make several attempts before quitting for good, and each attempt brings them closer to success.
Residents do not have to go it alone, with a range of free local stop smoking support available to help people quit and stay smokefree.
More information on stop smoking support in Birmingham is available from Birmingham City Council here.
