Western Isles residents who smoke urged to ‘Quit and Win’ on No Smoking Day 

NHS Western Isles and Health charity ASH Scotland are urging Western Isles residents to consider giving up smoking this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8 March 2023) to benefit their health, wellbeing and personal finances. 

The ‘Quit and Win’ campaign is highlighting that giving up smoking brings health benefits such as decreasing the risks of coronary heart disease and lung cancer, after one year and 10 years respectively, by about 50 per cent compared to people who continue to smoke.

 

New analysis released by the charity also suggests that an average Scottish household containing people who smoke could save £3,308 within 12 months of quitting smoking. 

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities, and it is more important than ever that people in the Western Isles facing everyday stresses during the cost of living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS. 

“Quit Your Way Scotland, local stop smoking services and community pharmacies provide free support which can help you to develop a personalised plan and, on No Smoking Day, we are encouraging people in [place] to begin taking vital steps towards a much healthier future by stopping smoking for good.”  

The charity’s call, is backed by NHS Western Isles.  

NHS Western Isles Health Improvement Manager,Colin Gilmour, said: “Anyone in the Western Isles who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact Quit Your Way by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot”

 

ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. To keep updated about the charity’s No Smoking Day activities, follow www.instagram.com/ash.scotland and www.twitter.com/ASHScotland. 

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Notes for editors: 

• ASH Scotland – Action on Smoking and Health Scotland – is the Scottish charity taking action to reduce harm caused by tobacco. We seek to improve health and quality of life by helping to create a society which supports young people in remaining tobacco-free, helps those who want to stop smoking, protects people from second-hand smoke and challenges the inequalities resulting from tobacco use.