To mark the 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day on Wednesday 13 March. Hampshire County Council is encouraging those who smoke to take the steps to quit for good. Hampshire residents wanting to give up smoking can sign up to their local Smokefree Hampshire service for free help, advice and quitting aids.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Adult Services and Public Health said: “As we commemorate 40 years of No Smoking Day. We can reflect on the positive progress that has been made over this time. Which is demonstrated by the falling number of adults smoking in Hampshire. However, while this is moving in the right direction. There are more than 115,000 Hampshire smokers and almost every hour of every day. Someone is admitted to hospital in our county because of smoking.

“We know that most smokers want to give up, but quitting can be daunting. So it’s important to remember that no-one needs to go it alone. By signing up to an expert-led stop smoking support service like Smokefree Hampshire. Smokers wanting to stop for good are much more likely to succeed.”

Smokefree Hampshire has helped more than 13,000 Hampshire smokers to quit since 2019. The service offers a variety of methods for quitting, including free nicotine replacement therapy, medications and vaping vouchers.

While the number of adults smoking in Hampshire has fallen over time. According to the public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). Smoking is estimated to continue costing Hampshire over £1.1billion each year. £369.5million of which is on health and social care cost and £681.7million on productivity loss.

Councillor Fairhurst added: “Good things start to happen when you quit. It’s likely you will experience health benefits within weeks of stopping, breathing easier and feeling fitter.”

People can self-refer to Smokefree Hampshire by calling the Quitline on 01264 563039, by texting Quit to 66777 or via the website at www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk