Start the New Year smoke-free
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) is encouraging smokers to make 2007 a smoke-free year.
A television and radio campaign, ‘Giving up’, will be broadcast from 27 December to 5 January, promoting the range of help and support available to smokers, including the Smokers’ Helpline - Tel: 0800 85 85 85.
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “Many of us use the New Year as an opportunity to attempt to change something in our lives that we are not happy with. This New Year in particular, with the smoke-free legislation coming into effect in April, will hopefully provide an impetus for those smokers wanting to give up.
“Tobacco is highly addictive and quitting smoking isn’t easy but those who set a date to quit are more likely to succeed. It doesn’t have to be 1 January, but by setting a date in the not too distant future and making use of the services available, the chances of success are greatly improved.”
Health Minister Paul Goggins supported the campaign, saying: “The HPA’s high profile smoking cessation campaign has aided many people in the past who have taken the decision to quit smoking. However, the smoke-free legislation may also give some people that added incentive they need to give up. I want people to know that there is help and support out there.
“The Department has recently invested £480,000 to enable over 200 community pharmacies throughout Northern Ireland to provide a one-stop specialist smoking cessation service. Smokers can find out where to avail of this service by calling the Smokers’ Helpline highlighted in this campaign.”
END
Notes to the Editor:
The HPA’s television and radio advertising campaign can be viewed at: www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk/Work/Tobacco/campaigns6.htm
The DHSSPS’s pharmacy based smoking cessation service combines expert support and advice, with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
All pharmacy based services will be registered with the Smokers’ Helpline – Tel: 0800 85 85 85. This is the first point of contact for many smokers seeking help to quit as it keeps a database of all specialist smoking cessation services in the region, directing smokers to the service that is most suitable for their needs.
For media enquiries contact:
Rosie McGaughey at the HPA on Tel: 028 9031 1611.
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