NHS Swindon is offering expert help for smokers who want to quit on March 9 for No Smoking Day.

Stubbing out, packing it in and giving up are all easy to say but, in reality, it is much harder for people to actually stop smoking and this has prompted health professionals in the town to call for a group of willing smokers to receive expert help to quit together on No Smoking Day.

The group will not only receive NHS support throughout their journey but will be able to do it as a team.

The theme of this year’s No Smoking day is A Time To Quit and the acting director of public health, Cherry Jones, says it is a good day to aim for.

She said: ‘We don’t recommend people go cold turkey when trying to give up smoking because it is an addiction so the cravings can be really hard.

“Some people successfully quit in this way, but if you plan to quit on a certain day then we can offer lots of help in advance so it’s far easier to do.

“We can give support about how to manage cravings and can also prepare you with stop smoking medicines, such as patches or gum on prescription.

‘We hope lots of smokers get in contact with us so we can plan their quit day and they can all give up together. It really helps if you do this with other people as you get that added support and encouragement.”

Call 0800 389 2229 or text 07827 954094.

On Wednesday, March 9, smokers will be able to go to the NHS Checkpoint shop in the Brunel Centre and meet other people who are stopping or have stopped smoking.