11 March 2014
Smokers in Jersey who want to kick the habit for good this No Smoking Day are being urged to use the support available from the Island’s Help2Quit service.
The national campaign theme for the No Smoking Day on Wednesday 12 March is “V for Victory” and the aim is to get people thinking about how they can win the fight against smoking.
'Feel-good' benefits
“Stopping smoking can be seen as a tough battle, but smokers who have successfully quit will often highlight the ‘feel-good’ benefits they enjoy from being smokefree,” said Dr Rhona Reardon, Help2Quit Coordinator. “The message of the No Smoking Day campaign is that the benefits of quitting are worth the effort.”
Smokers need not be alone in their efforts to quit. The Help2Quit Pharmacy Service in Jersey has expanded and support is now available in 19 local pharmacies in a range of locations. Some of the medication provided is free-of-charge.
Community pharmacist Matt Johnson said “The pharmacy service continues to be popular with Islanders since it was introduced last year and approximately 980 people attended a local pharmacy for support to quit smoking in 2013.”
March through St Helier
To promote No Smoking Day and the local pharmacy service, some of those involved in Help2Quit will be marching through King Street in St Helier between 1 and 2pm on No Smoking Day, where they will be handing out leaflets and answering queries about the service.
The march will finish with a photocall at Parade Gardens. Those involved will be easily recognisable as they will be wearing red No Smoking Day t-shirts. Individual pharmacies will also be promoting No Smoking Day in store.
Smokers who want to find out more about giving up are urged to call the Help2Quit freephone number on 0800 735 1155.
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