Walsall residents looking to stick to their New Year’s resolutions are being urged to take advantage of local services designed to help them quit smoking and make 2025 the year they quit for good.
New research from University College London has highlighted the serious impact of smoking on health. Smokers who quit for just one week could save an entire day of their life. The study also reveals that every cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes. That means smoking an average pack of 20 cigarettes could result in almost seven hours of life lost.
However, residents who seek support are three times more likely to successfully quit smoking than those who attempt it alone.
Those looking to quit in 2025 can access Be Well Walsall, which offers expert, one-on-one support through digital, phone, or in-person sessions with a qualified health and wellbeing coach. Free nicotine replacement therapy is also available.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust offers special support for pregnant women who want to quit smoking, including behaviour change techniques and nicotine replacement therapy.
For those who are inpatients at Walsall Manor Hospital, or who have recently smoked, the Tobacco Dependency Team is available to provide comprehensive support. Trained staff work closely with individuals to help them quit and offer free nicotine replacement therapy.
On Tuesday, 14 January, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will join Be Well Walsall at Walsall Manor Hospital (opposite Costa Coffee on floor one) to provide stop-smoking advice from 10am to 1pm. The event is open to patients, staff, visitors, and any local residents interested in quitting smoking.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said, “The research showing the significant impact of smoking is a reminder of the urgent need to quit. Every cigarette steals precious minutes, and quitting, even for a short period of time, can improve your health and wellbeing. Quitting for longer and for good brings more health benefits and can save you money.
We’re committed to supporting residents on their journey to a smoke-free life. Getting free expert advice and support from local services is proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. I encourage anyone considering quitting to reach out to Be Well Walsall or the support offered by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
We want to move closer to the national 2030 Smokefree ambition and achieve our We are Walsall 2040 ambition, where people are healthy and living full and active lives.”
For support from Be Well Walsall, call 01922 444044 or visit https://bww.maximusuk.co.uk/.
For more information on the Trust’s Smoking in Pregnancy service, call 01922 270477.