THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER, 2024

Photograph attached: Staff from the Quit Your Way team and Douglas Medical Centre launching the Countdown to Christmas campaign

Quit your Way – 12-week countdown to a Merry Quitmas

NHS Tayside’s Quit Your Way service visited Douglas Medical Centre in Dundee to launch a campaign encouraging people to give up smoking for good in time for Christmas.

It might only be October, but as the 12-week countdown to Christmas begins, the Quit Your Way team is highlighting the health and financial benefits of stopping smoking. The team will be sharing information on social media each week to promote the support available in Tayside to help people quit smoking.

Health promotion worker Nicola Birse said, “We know Christmas might feel like a long time away but there is no better time to quit and give yourself the best gift this Christmas by being smoke-free.

“We know that people in our communities are still feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and, with only 12 weeks until Christmas, we know that people will soon start to turn their thoughts to treating loved ones. What better way to save money but also improve your health over the coming months by stopping smoking?

“People are more likely to stop smoking for good if they use the support available. You can access free medication and support that’s right for you at your local community pharmacy.”

Dr Alison MacTavish from Douglas Medical Centre, added, “Smoking is an addiction and we know that stopping is really hard but it is an important step to take for our own health and the health of those around us.

“There is lots of support available to stop smoking and we are pleased to be working with the NHS Tayside Quit Your Way team to raise awareness of the help on offer locally.”

On average, people who smoke 20 cigarettes a day can save up to £840 in 12 weeks and over £3,000 in a year by giving up smoking.

People can visit any local community pharmacy, call the Quit Your Way service on 01382 424127 or email tay.smokingcessationservice@nhs.scot to find out about all the ways NHS Tayside can help support people to become smoke free.

The Tayside Stop Smoking Incentive Scheme offers eligible people £50 a month in weekly vouchers to spend at a local supermarket. Your local pharmacy can give you more information and let you know if you are eligible for the incentive scheme.

For more information about the support available, you can follow the Tayside Quit Your Way service page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nhstaysidequityourway.

NHS Tayside has a strict No Smoking Policy which makes all NHS Tayside premises and grounds smoke free, a policy which is line with all Health Board sites across Scotland.

Legislation has also been introduced by the Scottish Government, making it an offence to smoke within 15 metres of a hospital building.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138