Derry smokers encouraged to make a fresh start this March

Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum is supporting the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus campaign encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’ as part of No Smoking Month.

As part of No Smoking Month, the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum has teamed up with a number of partner organisations to provide free health checks and stop smoking clinics in local shopping centres.

Smoking remains one of the biggest preventable causes of ill-health, disability and death, responsible for thousands of hospital admissions and deaths every year.

Aisling Hutton from the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum said: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, but it can be difficult without the right support. No Smoking Month is a great opportunity for anyone thinking about quitting to take that first step.

“We’re supporting the campaign locally by working with a number of organisations to provide free health checks and stop smoking clinics where people can call in, speak to trained staff and find out what help is available.

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“Even if someone is only thinking about quitting, coming along for advice or a quick health check can be a really good starting point.”

Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum will be hosting free health checks and stop smoking clinics at the following locations:

• Ráth Mór Shopping Centre - Tuesday 10 March, 10am - 2pm
• Quayside Shopping Centre - Wednesday 11 March, 11am - 2pm

Local people are encouraged to drop in, speak with trained staff and learn more about the support available to help them quit smoking.

Top tips for quitting smoking

• Make a date to give up – and stick to it.
• Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
• Get support from your local stop smoking service. Let your family and friends know that you're quitting – their encouragement can really help.
• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try changing your routine and avoid places where you usually buy cigarettes.
• Remind yourself that the money saved from not smoking can be used for other things you or your family want or need.

For more information on stop smoking support and useful tips, visit: www.cancerfocusni.org/stopsmoking and www.stopsmokingni.info.