Posted on: 2 October 2024
Stoptober – now in its 11th year - is an annual campaign encouraging thousands of smokers to quit the habit, as evidence shows people are five times more likely to quit for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke free.
Since the campaign launched, Stoptober has helped over 2.5 million people make a quitting attempt.
Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but greatly improves your health and finances.
When you quit smoking the benefits start almost immediately
Additionally, what is often overlooked is how smoking exacerbates other health and wellbeing problems experienced by people with a mental health condition, and how it delays recovery.
Since 2012, smoking rates have fallen, and this year’s campaign aims to continue this pattern and encourage people to quit by offering free proven NHS resources and advice.
With your help, our Stop Smoking Services in Hillingdon, Camden and Islington are actively promoting this campaign with a range of events throughout October.
Breathe: Stop Smoking service for Camden and Islington
The Breathe team are attending outreach events each week at University College Hospital London, Royal Free Hospital and the Whittington Hospital. The team will look to raise awareness with hospital patients and staff, as well as offering smoking cessation advice and support to anyone looking to stop smoking this Stoptober.
The team will be out and about in Camden and Islington, with outreach planned at CNWL HQ (350 Euston Road), Access Islington Hubs at 222 Upper Street, Manor Gardens and more. Breathe will be attending the Peel Institute’s Cost of Living Fair at the end of the month, providing information and advice on the financial costs of smoking.
The team have also been working with libraries across both boroughs, providing resources to set up a Stoptober display. Members of the team have been working on a telephone campaign; checking in on former service users and their quitting journey, as well as offering support to anyone who may have relapsed and started smoking again.
If you live in Camden or Islington and would like help quitting, please click here for more information on how Breathe can help.
Hillingdon Stop Smoking service
The service has expanded their team this year, joining forces with our local partners and communities to promote the campaign with a range of events.
The displays will include bespoke health awareness posters and leaflets, and carbon monoxide monitoring is available. Anyone who might want a brief one to one intervention on the spot will be offered a session with one of our advisors, in a confidential space.
Some of events include:
- Uxbridge Library – 10 October
- Hillingdon Hospital foyer and staff canteen – 14 October
- Lung health project: Harefield GP Practice - 15 October
- Mill House, Community Mental Health Services - 16 October
- Riverside Centre mental health inpatient services - 16 October
- Vaping and smoking young people: Colleges in Uxbridge and Hayes – 17 and 18 October
- Transport for London, Hillingdon bus garage – 25 October
- Maternity, pregnancy and antenatal services at Hillingdon Hospital – 26 October
- Arch (Drug and Alcohol Service) – drop in sessions held throughout the month
- Pharmacies across the borough – ongoing campaigns throughout the month
Anyone living, working or studying in Hillingdon who is considering stopping smoking or vaping – we are here for you.
If you would like more information please speak to one of our advisors, or visit this page.