The Government recently announced measures to ensure that the country achieves its ambition of becoming Smokefree by 2030, including the provision of a million free ‘Swap to Stop’ vaping kits which, combined with behavioural support, are designed to help them quit smoking.
The City of Wolverhampton Council has made these available at a range of community venues, including the city's 8 Family Hubs and Central and Warstones libraries.
The service is being delivered by trained members of staff, who are offering free vape starter kits alongside support and weekly 'check in' sessions delivered from the convenience of local community venues to help people on their quitting journey over a period of 12 weeks.
Scores of would be quitters have already come forward to get help – and others are invited to sign up for free at Swap to Stop.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.
"Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England, accounting for around for 64,000 deaths annually. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking related disease – but, when you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
"And it's not just your body which will benefit, your purse or wallet will too. On average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco – and that means you could have around £2,000 more to spend a year by quitting, and even more if you are a really heavy smoker.
"Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is also one of the most effective tools for quitting, so we are delighted to deliver this Swap to Stop support in the community in Wolverhampton. If you want to quit, please sign up today."
Meanwhile, support to quit is also available through Live Well Wolverhampton, a new healthy lifestyles service offering people information, advice, guidance, self help tools and lifestyle interventions to enable them to make and maintain positive lifestyle choices. Please visit Live Well Wolverhampton or call or text 'QUIT' to 07378 768046 and an advisor will contact you.
For more help and support to stop smoking, please visit Quit Smoking.
