That’s because research shows that the average smoker could save £1,875.60 a year by quitting smoking.
Heavy smokers will save considerably more – someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day, at an average of £9.10 a pack, would save well over £3,300 a year by stopping.
Some 2.3 million people have made an attempt to quit since Stoptober launched a decade ago, but for people who still smoke, it remains the leading preventable cause of premature death, causing almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year.
The campaign, which began on Friday, is based on research which shows that people who can stop smoking for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stay smoke free for good.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you, on both a short term and long term basis.
"Stopping smoking brings multiple benefits, some immediate and others that build over time. These include being able to start moving better, being able to breathe more easily and saving huge amounts of money, too.
“And with the Covid-19 pandemic continuing and smokers likely to suffer more severe coronavirus symptoms than non smokers, it’s never been more important for people to quit.
“Remember, if you can make it to 28 days smokefree, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good.”
Stoptober offers a range of free support tools for those looking to quit, including digital services that are easily accessible for those looking for online support. These tools include the Stoptober app, Facebook messenger bot and online communities, SMS and daily emails.
To take part in Stoptober, please sign up at NHS Coronavirus (COVID-19). For more help and support to stop smoking, please visit Wolverhampton Information Network.
