‘Swap fags for swag’ South Antrim MLA urges smokers on No Smoking Day
THOUSANDS of smokers in South Antrim to ‘swap fags for swag’ by quitting on No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 13.
Ms Brown is supporting the annual UK wide health campaign, co-ordinated locally by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency which shows how smokers could treat themselves to all sorts of ‘swag’ if they quit for a day saving (£11), a week (£78), a month (£336) and a year (£4,090).
Ms Brown said: “Stopping smoking is not only one of the best things you can do to boost your health but it’s great for your bank balance as well. Quitting can be difficult, but there is lots of local support available and working out what you could afford to buy is a great motivator. I’d encourage everyone in South Antrim to give it a go and join thousands of others trying to quit on the day.”
Approximately one in four adults smoke in Northern Ireland but nearly three quarters (74%) say they would like to stop smoking.3)
Jayne Murray, Public Affairs & Communications Manager, BHF Northern Ireland said: “More than 750,000 smokers across the UK all try and quit on No Smoking Day, so it’s a great time to give it a go if you smoke and really want to quit.(4)
“Your cigarette money really adds up, so whether you want to swap your day’s packet of 20 for a new lipstick, save for a week and take your kids to the cinema, or save for a whole year and reward yourself with a holiday of a lifetime there are lots of fun – and healthier – ways to spend your money.
“We’re here to help you every step of the way, so get ready to join in and swap fags for swag.”
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus, said: “No Smoking Day is one of the best times for smokers to escape their addiction and save some cash.
“We at Cancer Focus are working more closely than ever with smokers who want to stop. We provide stop smoking support services across Northern Ireland, including the Smokers’ Helpline (0808 812 8008), which are funded by the Public Health Agency and are free and confidential. They are very informal and offer individual and group support. We talk about smoking habits, tips for giving up and how to cope with cravings, and in the last year helped two-thirds of those who used our services to stop smoking within four weeks.”
The No Smoking Day campaign is now in its 30th year. It helped more than 760,000 people across the UK quit smoking last year and inspired another 1.5 million to seek out information to help them quit in future.
Smokers who want to find out more can visit WeQuit.co.uk, call our free helpline on 0808 812 8008 or join us on twitter using the hashtag #NoSmokingDay.
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Thursday 20 June 2013
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