Smoke-free one year on - increasing numbers set to quit

Today is the first anniversary of smoke-free legislation in Northern Ireland, and to mark this important milestone the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) is launching a new smoking cessation website designed to help smokers quit.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: "The introduction of smoke-free legislation last April was a hugely significant step forward for public health and has proved to be an overwhelming public success. It has not only been vital in protecting the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke but has provided a great incentive for many smokers who want to quit."

Provisional smoking cessation services figures from April 2007 to March 2008 indicate that the number of people setting a quit date is at an all time high (19,662), with an increase of over 40% from the previous year. In the four months prior to the legislation and the month following, the number of people setting a quit date was greater than at any other period.¹

Dr Gaffney, continued: "Smokers who access support to help them quit double their chances of being successful. Those who wish to quit can log on to www.want2stop.info to obtain information on specialist smoking cessation services, sign up to a personalised quit plan and join with a 'buddy' who will support them in their quit attempt. Free advice and support is also available by contacting the Smokers' Helpline on Tel: 0800 85 85 85."

Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Heath, Social Services and Public Safety who spoke at the launch, said: "Smoking remains the single greatest cause of preventable death in Northern Ireland. Too many people die prematurely every year and many more lose quality years as their health deteriorates. Smoking is addictive and while I understand that kicking the habit is not easy, it is never too late to stop. You stand to add years to your life, breathe more easily and have more energy.

"I am extremely encouraged that provisional figures show an increase in the numbers seeking to quit and it seems that the introduction of the smoke-free legislation has given people the added incentive they may have needed. There is a lot of help out there to support you in your endeavours and I very much welcome the launch of the Want2stop website today, which I am sure will be a valuable resource to many who want to seek advice and help."

www.want2stop.info also provides information to smokers about the health effects of smoking, the benefits of stopping smoking and where to access support to help them quit, along with interactive features and testimonies from ex-smokers.

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Notes to editors:

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