DONCASTER'S quit smoking team is launching a new campaign aimed at helping manual workers kick their habit.
People employed in routine and manual trades account for around 40 per cent of the adult smoking population, and Doncaster's NHS Stop Smoking Service is hoping they will take up the offer of support.
A specialist advisor will focus on workers re
aching the target group and the service is also linking with Doncaster Council to present awards recognising workplaces that go above and beyond smoke free legislation.
The service has a successful track record of helping more than 7,300 Doncaster people to quit smoking in the last three years.
Last year's target was to help 1,848 people quit within four weeks and this was achieved two months ahead of plan.
By the end of the year, 2,622 smokers had given up within four weeks – 774 more than expected.
The service's team of advisors are specially trained to offer free, confidential support and advice to smokers who want to quit and can arrange for them to get Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as patches, on prescription.
People who contact the service receive one-to-one-help and can see advisors at its town centre base in East Laith Gate House, or at their local doctors' surgery or pharmacy.
Andrew Brankin, clinical manager of the service, said evidence shows that people are four times more likely to quit smoking using NHS Stop Smoking Services than attempting without support.
He said: "The decision to stop smoking brings many health benefits, such as feeling fitter and less breathless and reducing the risk of heart and lung disease, while also protecting others from second-hand smoke.
"Once someone has accessed the service, they receive personalised support which is designed to make their quit attempt as easy and effective as possible.
"We advise about the various therapies available and which product or combination of products could work for them.
"The many people who've been successful tell us that our help and support was invaluable in helping them give up smoking for good."
Anyone who wants help to stop smoking is urged to contact the service by calling in at East Laith Gate House or phoning 01302 640064, 24-hours.
The Children Young People and Families stop smoking service offers help to under-19s, pregnant, postnatal women and their families and is on 01302 703464.
