Stoptober is back, and smokers across Trafford are being encouraged to make October the month they quit smoking, with free support available from local NHS and community services across the borough.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK, but quitting brings almost immediate health benefits and significantly reduces the risk of conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung disease.
Trafford has one of the lowest smoking rates in the North West, with an estimated 7.4% of adults smoking. This places Trafford third out of the North West's 22 local authorities and below the England average of 10.4%.
However, smoking continues to have a disproportionate impact on some communities. Rates are significantly higher among people living with mental health conditions and those working in routine and manual occupations, while residents facing greater social and economic challenges are also more likely to experience smoking-related harm.
For these groups, stopping smoking can play an important role in improving health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Stoptober is the national stop smoking campaign, encouraging smokers to make a quit attempt during October with support from local services and the NHS.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, said:
"Stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health. Whether you've smoked for a few years or several decades, it's never too late to quit and start seeing benefits.
"We're proud that Trafford has one of the lowest smoking rates in the region, but we know there are still residents who would like support to stop smoking. Stoptober is a great opportunity to take that first step, and there is a wide range of free help available locally.
"You don't have to do it alone. Local services can provide expert advice, practical support and quit aids to help people succeed."
Trafford residents can access support through participating GP practices and community pharmacies, as well as specialist programmes tailored to different communities and circumstances.
These include support for carers, older people, young people, care leavers, people living with serious mental illness and residents from ethnically diverse communities.
Residents can also download the NHS Smokefree app for round-the-clock support, goal setting, motivation and advice to help manage cravings.
To find out more visit the 'help to stop smoking or vaping' area of the Council website. For listings of where local stop smoking support is available, visit Trafford Directory.