Today is the day to quit smoking. The cost-of-living crisis and the effects of the pandemic have placed more pressure on people and our health services. This means there has never been a better time to quit.
Quitting smoking has instant benefits to your health and will save you money. Quitting will also reduce your chances of developing illnesses like heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and dementia.
Portsmouth residents can take control of their unhealthy habits with the support of the council’s wellbeing service. The wellbeing service offers free support to help residents live a healthier lifestyle, including quitting smoking and losing weight.
With the support of wellbeing service practitioners like Verity, residents are three times more likely to quit smoking for good.
Amy aged 38, had smoked since she was a teenager and had to quit back in 2016 due to Crohn’s disease. The habit returned 6 years later when Amy found herself in a stressful housing situation.
Since finishing her sessions with Verity, Amy has noticed a big difference in her self-esteem. Verity gave Amy the tools to believe in herself, and Amy said, “No one can do it for you, but there are people to do it with you.”
It is never too late to quit and quitting smoking as late as 60 years old could increase life expectancy by as much as three years. The benefits to health improve the younger you choose to quit.
Caroline, aged 55 from Fratton had been smoking 50 rolls up a day, costing her £70 a week. Caroline said: “I was unsure at first because I have tried many times to quit but the staff were great. I have been almost saved from the cost-of-living crisis.”
Helen Simmons, Public Health Development Manager at Portsmouth City Council said: “Getting the right support will help people step away from the cost of smoking. This will help reduce other stresses at home which could be impacting mental health. People always feel so much better when they have kicked the habit.”
Councillor Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at Portsmouth City Council, said; “I am delighted that the wellbeing service is able to support 3,000 Portsmouth residents a year to transform their lives, reduce costs and improve their health.”
If you are a Portsmouth resident and want to quit today, contact the wellbeing service on 02392294001 or visit www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk