Countdown to quit smoking for Christmas

It might only be October, but as the countdown to Christmas begins, the Quit Your Way team is highlighting the health and financial benefits of stopping smoking.

The team will be sharing information on social media each week to promote the support available in Tayside to help people quit smoking. They will also visit community venues to offer advice and guidance to anyone who would like support to quit smoking.

They will joined by colleagues from oral health teams who will also provide advice on getting registered with a dentist and how to improve dental health.

Health promotion worker Sarah Armstrong said: “We know Christmas might feel like a long time away but there is no better time to quit and give yourself the best gift by being smoke-free.

“We know that people in our communities are still feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and, with Christmas, we know that people will soon start to turn their thoughts to treating loved ones. What better way to save money but also improve your health over the coming months by stopping smoking?”

You can speak to NHS Tayside’s smoking cessation team at the following Angus venues during the campaign: Thursday, October 29, 10am-12pm – JARS Community Hub, Brechin; Tuesday, December 1, 12pm-2pm – Well Bean Café, Forfar; Thursday, December 3, 10am-12pm – Kirriemuir Food Hub; Wednesday, December 9, 12pm-2pm - Well Bean Café, Arbroath.

On average, people who smoke 20 cigarettes a day can save up to £840 in 12 weeks and over £3,000 in a year by giving up smoking.

People can visit any local community pharmacy, call the Quit Your Way service on 01382 424127 or email [email protected] to find out about all the ways people can be supported to become smoke-free.

The Tayside Stop Smoking Incentive Scheme offers eligible people £50 a month in weekly vouchers to spend at local supermarkets. For more information, follow the Tayside Quit Your Way Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nhstaysidequityourway.