When you stop smoking, good things start to happen — you can begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health.
So, this October, join the thousands of smokers committing to quitting. Statistics show that, if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you’re 5 times more likely to give up for good.
Smoking affects both your immediate health and your life expectancy.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for healthy lives, said: “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in the borough.
“We are committed to reducing health inequalities, and that has been supported since this summer by a new service that works with individuals with mental health problems or during pregnancy to help them stop smoking supports that aim.”
Smoke free service
Commissioned by the council, Ealing Community Partners will run the smoke free service. It is exclusively available to anyone aged 18 and over, living in the borough and registered with a local GP practice. Eligible participants must currently smoke cigarettes and meet specific criteria, including having a mental health diagnosis or experiencing mental health symptoms, or being pregnant.
Over a 12-week period, participants will receive behavioural support to assist in quitting smoking or reducing tobacco consumption. The service is also e-cigarette friendly, acknowledging the potential benefits of alternative nicotine delivery methods.
Referrals to the service can be made through the website or via local GPs.
The right support
“It’s certainly much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from,” said Councillor Blacker. “If you smoke but are not eligible for the targeted support we’ve put in place, then check out the free tools, tips and support available to help you.”
