Public health leaders across Liverpool and the wider region are actively promoting the annual Stoptober campaign, a major initiative designed to help smokers quit. Supported by Liverpool City Council, the campaign highlights new research showing that 50% of smokers in Merseyside want to stop, and it aims to connect them with extensive free support services.
The month-long challenge is based on evidence that if a person can stop smoking for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit permanently. This year's campaign focuses on the message that help is available and no one has to face the challenge alone.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool City Council is supporting the national Stoptober campaign to reduce smoking rates.
- Recent data shows half of all smokers in Merseyside have a strong desire to quit.
- Free, comprehensive support is available through Smokefree Liverpool, including therapy and expert advice.
- The campaign coincides with parliamentary efforts to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to prevent future generations from smoking.
The Regional Push for a Smokefree Future
Health experts across Merseyside and Cheshire are making a coordinated effort to encourage residents to participate in Stoptober. The campaign is backed by Champs Public Health, a collaborative body of public health directors from the region. Their research provides a clear mandate for the initiative, revealing a significant portion of the smoking population is ready to make a change.
According to their findings, 50% of smokers in Merseyside say they genuinely want to quit, while a further 21% acknowledge that they should. This data underscores the importance of timely and accessible support systems to help individuals act on their intentions.
Despite falling smoking rates, the habit remains a significant public health issue. Across Cheshire and Merseyside, there are still approximately 215,000 adult smokers. This figure is part of a national total of over 5 million adults who smoke in the UK.
Liverpool's 2030 Goal
The city's participation in Stoptober is a key part of a broader strategy. Liverpool has a 'smoke-free by 2030' plan, established by the city council, which aims to continue the downward trend in smoking prevalence through targeted campaigns and public health interventions.
Expert Voices on a Public Health Priority
Leading health professionals in the region have voiced strong support for the campaign, emphasizing the severe health consequences of smoking and the critical need for such programs.
“Smoking across Cheshire and Merseyside continues to be a major cause of ill health and early death, and that’s why campaigns like Stoptober are so important.”
- Dr Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health at Alder Hey Hospital and Lead Director of the All Together Smokefree programme.
Experts are also drawing attention to the challenge of preventing young people from starting to smoke or vape. The marketing of these products is seen as a significant factor in youth addiction.
Hannah Ingham, a spokesperson for Champs, explained the concern: “Many young people continue to take up smoking each year and many young people vape, this is partly because these products have been aggressively marketed towards them. Both can trap young people into a lifetime of addiction.”
Legislative Action and Local Support
The local campaign efforts are taking place against a backdrop of national legislative change. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently making its way through parliament. This landmark bill aims to create a 'smokefree generation' by progressively raising the age for legal cigarette sales each year.
The bill also contains specific measures designed to reduce the appeal of vaping to young people, including new restrictions on the sale and advertising of vape products.
The Power of 28 Days
The Stoptober campaign is built around a simple but powerful premise. Extensive research shows that willpower and motivation increase after the initial difficult period of quitting. By completing the 28-day challenge, individuals significantly boost their chances of long-term success, breaking the cycle of addiction.
Ms. Ingham added, “Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, and we are here to support everyone across Cheshire and Merseyside to quit for good.”
How to Get Free Help in Liverpool
A central part of the campaign is ensuring smokers know where to turn for help. Smokefree Liverpool, a dedicated local service, has partnered with Stoptober to offer a wide array of free support options tailored to individual needs.
Available resources for Liverpool residents include:
- One-on-one support: Sessions with trained advisors are available either face-to-face or over the telephone.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Free access to products like patches and gum to help manage cravings.
- Digital Tools: A dedicated quit-smoking app provides tracking, motivation, and tips directly to a user's phone.
The campaign's outreach strategy also includes sharing the real-life stories of local people who have successfully quit. These personal accounts will be featured on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, targeting communities most affected by smoking-related harm to inspire others to join the challenge.