Stoptober- 11 years of support!
Stoptober is now in its 11th year and is a campaign to encourage and support smokers to give up smoking during October.
Smokers in the UK are being urged to quit the habit as part of the annual Stoptober health campaign. This year’s campaign will encourage people to take simple steps to help build their confidence and for them to get support from family and friends, as well as professional help to stop smoking for good.
Latest statistics show that smoking costs the NHS £2.4 billion a year while causing at least 15 types of cancers which include lung cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia. Research shows that people are 5 times more likely to quit for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke free. Stopping smoking brings multiple benefits to health which can include being able to breath and move around more easily and also to reduce the risk of several cancers. There is also a financial benefit from giving up smoking.
When it comes to Employers:
Smoke-free legislation was introduced in England in 2007, banning smoking in nearly all enclosed workplaces and public spaces. It is local authorities who are responsible for enforcing the legislation.
H&S legislation requires employers reduce the risk to their employees from second-hand smoking in the workplace. Employees should actively promote smoke-free policies and encourage employees to seek support in quitting.
Organisations could promote and monitor well-being programmes, in a number of ways including;
Awareness programmes/campaigns
Posters, leaflets, newsletters, social media, blogs and company communications
Targeting specific health issues
Using personal well-being stories as hooks for general well-being messages
Including health in general team meetings, forums, bulletins and toolbox talks
Creating well-being champions - employees who volunteer to focus on improving the well-being of their co-workers.
Support your staff in helping them to quit and more information can be found at the following:
Stoptober launches to give smokers the confidence to quit - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Stoptober 2023 | Campaigns | Campaign Resource Centre (dhsc.gov.uk)
NHS stop smoking services help you quit - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
For more support on managing smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in the workplace, contact our team