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Out with
the old habit and in with the New Year’s
resolution
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) will
be encouraging smokers to use this New Year as the focus
to put their old habits behind them and resolve to quit smoking
in 2006. The HPA will be running a television advertising
campaign from the end of December which highlights the support
available for those who want to quit.
Dr Brian Gaffney,
Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “January
is a time when many focus on breaking old habits by making
New Year’s resolutions and we are encouraging smokers
to use this as a focus for quitting. Research shows that
one of the most important elements in successfully stopping
smoking is planning ahead.
“However,
we know that it is not easy for smokers to do this as it
is an addiction which is very difficult
to break. The advertising emphasises that there is a lot
of support out there for those who really are trying to give
up.”
The advertising
campaign features the Smokers’ Helpline,
a free service offering support, information and advice,
which can be accessed by calling 0800 85 85 85. The Helpline
is staffed by trained counsellors who have already handled
thousands of calls since it was set up three years ago. The
counsellors will also be able to direct callers to smoking
cessation groups in their area if they wish.
The television advertising will run from 27 December 2005
to 7 January 2006.
END
Notes
to the Editor:
Contact Rosie McGaughey on – Tel: 028 9031 1611 or 028
9031 1514.
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