Campaign urges town’s smokers to break free
9:04am Thursday 11th March 2010 in News
SMOKERS were urged to “break free” from the habit yesterday as Bolton marked No Smoking Day.
Health workers chained to inflatable cigarettes were in the town centre and at the Royal Bolton Hospital to help spread the message.
People were invited to use the clues on information leaflets being distributed to enter a combination into a padlock to try and free the Stop Smoking advisers. Anyone successful was entered into a prize draw.
The event was designed to attract smokers and encourage them to get NHS help if they want to quit, while following this year’s No Smoking Day theme — break free.
Jane Broome, of Great Lever, stopped to get some advice after spotting the event under way in the town centre.
The 61-year-old has smoked 20 a day since she was 16 and pledged yesterday to give up.
Ms Broome said: “I am trying to quit at the moment and decided to start on No Smoking Day.
“I am doing it because it is affecting my health and I think it is going to make a difference.
“I came over hoping for some encouragement, but I have also found out about the local support groups, which I didn’t know about. I am thinking about going — it might help.”
Liz Wigg, health improvement specialist for tobacco at NHS Bolton, said: “We wanted to do something fun and interactive to get people involved.
“Smokers need to think about their health and finances. We know 70 per cent of them want to quit and we are here to help.”
Staff from the Stop Smoking Service were in Victoria Square and at the hospital throughout the day.
There were also activities at the town’s children’s centres with displays, information on hand and many making paper chains which people could sign to pledge their support to No Smoking Day.
For help to quit, contact Bolton Stop Smoking Service on 01204 462345, visit stopsmokingbolton. co.uk, or get information at children’s centres.
