Amrik Sangha, a Health Improvement Officer with the City of Wolverhampton Council, with one of the vape kits that are available to people who want to Swap to Stop smoking
A new programme which has already helped well over 100 smokers in Wolverhampton to quit has been extended for another 12 months.
Launched by the City of Wolverhampton Council last year, Swap to Stop provides free vaping kits and behavioural support to help people stop smoking.
The service is delivered over a period of 12 weeks by trained members of staff who offer free vape starter kits alongside support and weekly ‘check-in’ sessions at community venues to help people on their quitting journey.
Scores of people have already come forward to get help – with over 135 quitting as a result. Others are invited to sign up for free at Swap to Stop.
The Government is offering a million free ‘Swap to Stop’ vaping kits as part of its aims for the country to become ‘smokefree’ by 2030. The council has made these available at a range of community venues, including the city’s eight Family Hubs and Central and Warstones libraries.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.
“It is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England, accounting for around for 64,000 deaths annually. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease – but, when you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
“And it’s not just your body which will benefit, your purse or wallet will too. On average smokers spend around £40 per week on tobacco – and that means you could have around £2,000 extra to spend a year by quitting, or even more if you are a really heavy smoker.
“Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is also one of the most effective tools for quitting, and it’s fantastic that over 135 residents have already been able to quit using the support available through Swap to Stop.
“We are delighted to be extending the programme for another 12 months so, if you want to quit smoking, please sign up today.”
For more help and support to stop smoking, please visit Quit Smoking.