A new Stop Smoking London Helpline service, funded and supported by Tower Hamlets Council and 29 other London Boroughs, has been launched by the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) London.
The helpline (0300 123 1044) has been launched alongside Stoptober; the national campaign that encourages people to stop smoking for 28 days and beyond.
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “We all know that smoking is bad for our health and Stoptober is a great way to finally kick the habit for good with thousands of other people. We are working in partnership with other councils to offer professional help and support in a simple and convenient way.”
Fabiana Boarin, decided to use local services to help her quit for good after finding out she was pregnant. She spoke to Dipul from the Quit Right Tower Hamlets service at Limehouse practice and saw him every week.
Fabiana smoked around 25g of tobacco a week, rolling up 10 a day for 10 years. She initially cut down gradually alongside the 16 hour patch and inhalator.
Fabiana said: “I would recommend the service to anyone in a similar position and I couldn’t have done it without the support from Dipul.”
For the first time, the Stoptober campaign is backing the use of e-cigarettes as a stop smoking aid.
Dr Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health at Tower Hamlets Council said: “There is evidence that e-cigarettes can help people stop smoking.
“However, using an e-cigarette to help you quit, along with advice and support from a local stop smoking advisor, will give you the best chance of success.”
An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that allows you to inhale nicotine without most of the harmful effects of smoking.
E-cigarettes work by heating and creating a vapour from a solution that typically contains nicotine; a thick, colourless liquid called propylene glycol and/or glycerine; and flavourings. As there is no burning involved, there is no smoke.
The London-wide helpline can be accessed at a local rate number seven days a week – Monday to Fridays from 9am to 8pm and on Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.
You can also visit the Tower Hamlets Stop Smoking Portal to access the type of support you want, closest to you.
Quit Right Tower Hamlets can be reached on 020 7882 8230 for free advice and support (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) or visit: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/stopsmoking
– Press realise
