Up in smoke – £210 a month on ciggies as Swindon smokers urged to quit (From Swindon Advertiser)

Up in smoke – £210 a month on ciggies as Swindon smokers urged to quit

9:20pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Katie Bond

THOUSANDS of smokers in Swindon are being encouraged to ‘swap fags for swag’ and consider the financial benefits of quitting, this month on the 30th anniversary of No Smoking Day.

Nearly one in six UK adults smoke, including more than 21 per cent in Swindon, but UK figures show two thirds want to quit.

This year smokers are being encouraged to focus on what they could afford to buy if they were to quit for a day – saving £7 (£49 a week, £210 a month and £2,555 a year).

No Smoking Day 2013 was officially launched on February 27 giving smokers two weeks to get ready to quit on No Smoking Day – March 13.

Cherry Jones, deputy director of public health, said: “One of the biggest incentives for smokers to quit comes from considering the real amount of money they spend on cigarettes and thinking about what themselves and their family could afford if they were to give up for good.

“By tallying up the exact amount of money that could be saved, smokers can work towards an actual goal – be it a new pair of shoes, a family trip to the cinema or a dream holiday.

“No Smoking Day provides the perfect opportunity for people to join hundreds of other smokers in Swindon attempting to quit on the same day. It is important that people know that there’s lots of help and support available to them through their local Swindon Stop Smoking service to help many make their first steps towards a healthier and wealthier, smoke-free life.”

Swindon Stop Smoking Service, supported by Swindon Smokefree Alliance, will be at the bus station and outside ASDA Walmart, offering Stop Smoking advice and support to help smokers ditch the cigarettes for good on March 13.

Meanwhile, Jephson Pharmacy, in Barrat Way, Wroughton, will also be offering advice and NHS Smokefree Quit Kits as part of the national event.

Pharmacist Nick Jephson said on-going support and advice, available all year round as part of the All About Health programme, will help smokers feel the benefits to their health and wallets.

“Not only is quitting smoking one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself but it’s also a good way to look after your finances in these hard times,” he said.

“With a packet of cigarettes costing about £7, the financial strain of being a smoker can be massive. Even a moderate smoker will be forking out a small fortune because of their addiction.”

The Quit Kits contain a health and wealth wheel to help quitters monitor the difference kicking the habit has on their body and bank balance.

For more information visit www.wequit.co.uk