FRIDAY, 10 OCTOBER, 2025

Photograph attached: Staff from the Quit Your Way team and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Dundee Community Action Team launching the Countdown to Christmas campaign

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

NHS Tayside’s Quit Your Way service teamed up with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Dundee Community Action team to launch their annual 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. They will also be visiting community venues across Tayside over the next 12 weeks to offer advice and guidance to anyone who would like to support to quit smoking.

Health promotion worker Nicola Birse said, “We know it’s only October and people may not be thinking about Christmas just yet but there really is no better time to quit and give yourself the best gift this Christmas by being smoke-free.

“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.

“We are delighted to be working alongside the Dundee Community Action Team this year to provide support to anyone who wants to give up smoking, share information about the health and safety risks associated with smoking, and highlight the positive impact of quitting.”

James Hay, Watch Commander (Local Area Liaison Officer) from Scottish Fire and Rescue’s Dundee Community Action Team said, “We are proud to support the launch of the 12-week Christmas Countdown campaign, which will be visiting communities across Tayside in the lead-up to Christmas. The campaign aims to engage with anyone interested in quitting smoking.

“Our top priority is keeping people safe in their homes. In Scotland, smoking remains the leading cause of fire-related deaths in the home. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk to you and your loved ones.

“You can speak with the Quit Your Way Tayside team at various locations throughout Tayside over the next 12 weeks. You can also access our safer smoking guidance available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Quit Your Way team this festive season to share this important message and help keep our communities safe.”

You can speak to NHS Tayside’s smoking cessation team at the following venues over the next 12 weeks:

• Tuesday, 14 October, 5pm – 6.30pm – Letham4All – Moncrieffe

• Tuesday, 21 October, 11am-1pm – JARS Community Hub, Brechin

• Wednesday, 29 October, 1pm-3pm – Menzieshill Parish Church

• Thursday, 6 November, 11am-1pm – Fintry Parish Church, Dundee

• Wednesday, 12 November, 4pm-6pm – Letham4All - Muirton

• Thursday, 20 November, 1pm-3pm – Steeple Parish Nursing service, Dundee

• Tuesday 25 November, 11am-1pm - Charleston Community Centre, Dundee

• Thursday 4 December, 11am-1pm - Kirriemuir Food Hub

• Friday 12 December, 2pm-4pm - Letham4All – Letham

• Monday 15 December, 10am-1pm - Burnside Court/ Lochee Larder & Cafe, Dundee

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