With smokers being five times more likely to quit for good with personalised support, the free service, made possible through public health funding, offers a range of 12-week support packages tailored to individual needs. This also includes access to a digital AI app called Quit with Bella, a personal 24/7 mentor. This is in addition to physical aids such as patches, gum, and non-disposable e-cigarettes.
Residents in the Royal Borough can simply sign up to the service or be referred to it via a healthcare professional.
Around 16,000 people living in the borough smoke, and the Royal Borough is committed to working closely with its NHS partners to help those who want to stop.
Councillor Catherine del Campo, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, and Housing Services, said: “I’m an ex-smoker myself, and giving up was one of the best things I ever did. It took me several goes and was tough, but I got there in the end. I’m glad there’s so much more help available to smokers now than when I stopped.
“Smoking remains one of the single biggest causes of preventable illness and death in England because of the additional stress it puts on your body increasing your risk of stroke, dementia, heart disease and cancer.
“Yet it's never too late, because stopping now will improve your health, whatever your age and no matter how long you’ve smoked. And if you’ve tried and failed before, don’t lose heart. This could very well be your time to triumph.”
In terms of health, after:
• 20 minutes – Your pulse is already returning to normal.
• 8 hours – Your oxygen levels are recovering and the harmful carbon monoxide in your body has halved.
• 48 hours – All carbon monoxide has gone. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
• 72 hours – You’re breathing easier and you’re feeling more energetic.
• 2 to 12 weeks – Your blood is better pumping to your heart and muscles thanks to improved circulation.
• 3 to 9 months – Your lungs are working 10 per cent better meaning you’re coughing and wheezing less.
• 1 year – Your risk of a heart attack has halved compared to that of a smoker.
• 10 years – Your risk of death from lung cancer has also halved.
• 15 years – Your risk of heart attack is now the same as someone who’s never smoked.
There are also financial benefits to stop smoking. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average price of a packet of twenty cigarettes costs £15.84 which equates to spending an average of £59.54 per week on tobacco. This means saving some £3,000 a year by stopping.
For more information, or to sign up for support, visit Smokefree Berkshire