Fewer adult smokers in H&F as quitting campaign reaps rewards

Success of quitting campaign celebrated as H&F follows national trend for decline in smoking.

The number of adult smokers in Hammersmith & Fulham has gone down to the lowest level ever.

H&F followed the national trend for an overall decline in adult smokers, with 18.7 per cent of adults smoking today, compared to 23.8 per cent in 2012. The new figures were released last week by Public Health England

Experts suggest the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes is a significant factor for the decline, but H&F’s ‘Kick It’ smoking cessation service has also contributed by helping many residents to quit.

“This is fantastic news and well done to all those H&F residents who kicked the habit,” said Cllr Vivienne Lukey, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.

“We are determined to help and support our residents to live healthy, happy lives. The Kick It programme helped 1,526 residents quit last year and will continue to help all those people struggling with their addiction.”

Kick it is the second most successful quitting programme in London. It is free and uses trained advisers who work closely with residents wishing to stop. Advisers work in GP practices, pharmacies and community venues across Hammersmith and Fulham, including libraries and markets.

As well as being successful within London, Kick It is the fifth most successful stop-smoking scheme in England.

The good news comes ahead of the 2016 ‘Stoptober’ campaign, which encourages smokers to give up the habit for the month of October.

Kick It will be running a series of events and activities during Stoptober. For more information, visit the Kick It website or call 0203 434 2500.

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