With 'Stoptober' well on its way, Smokers across Somerset are being encouraged to quit this October as part of the campaign.

Somerset County Council, in partnership with the NHS, is urging smokers to get behind the campaign and join the 2.3 million others who have already quit during Stoptober in the campaigns ten-year history.

The campaign encourages smokers to abstain from smoking for 28 days in October, with evidence showing that if someone is able to quit for 28 days, they are 5 times more likely to quit permanently.

Somerset County Council's Public Health team is encouraging Somerset smokers to seek free support from Smokefreelife Somerset, their stop smoking service, and join thousands of others across the country who have signed up to stop smoking this October.

Smokefreelife Somerset offers support from friendly, qualified Stop Smoking Practitioners and access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which works by substituting the source of nicotine to "replace" the nicotine you inhale when you smoke.

The practitioners can advise smokers on stop smoking medications and are on hand to encourage and enable smokers to quit the habit and stay smoke free.

The service is easy to access - someone needing support is required only to commit to being in touch with a Stop Smoking Practitioner just once a week during the 12-week treatment programme. Contact can be in person or over the telephone at a time that suits them, with appointments available right up to 8pm.

Councillor Adam Dance, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset County Council, commented: "You are far more likely to quit with support from our stop smoking services. Our Stop Smoking Practitioners are on hand to support and empower you to quit, and have helped thousands of people across Somerset to kick their habit over the years.

"Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature deaths. So, to quit is one of the best things you can do to protect your health and live longer."

"I would like to encourage all smokers, to get in touch with Smoke free life Somerset and make this Stoptober their time to quit – you've got this."

It is easy to sign up with Smokefreelife Somerset – to book an appointment, just call 01823 356222 or fill your details in online: https://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/smokefree/support-me/