Leeds is ramping up its fight against smoking, offering free expert support through the Leeds Stop Smoking Service to help the city’s 111,000 smokers quit for good. With the aim of creating a smokefree generation by 2030, the city is launching campaigns and expanding services, encouraging residents to take advantage of this crucial support at leedsstopsmoking.co.uk or by calling 0800 169 4219.
What support is available for smokers in Leeds looking to quit smoking?
Leeds Stop Smoking Service offers free expert support for those wishing to quit smoking, including one-on-one and group sessions. With the goal of creating a smokefree generation by 2030, Leeds City Council is expanding local services with additional funds, campaigns, and community outreach. For help, visit www.leedsstopsmoking.co.uk or call 0800 169 4219.
Addressing the Smoking Habit in Leeds
Leeds faces a significant challenge with over 111,000 local residents identified as regular smokers, a figure that represents 16.6 percent of the adult population. This statistic, sourced from GP practices, pinpoints a major public health concern within the city. Among those who smoke, a higher prevalence is noted in adults aged 30 to 59, accounting for 62 percent, with men exhibiting higher smoking rates than women. However, there is a silver lining as current data indicates a downward trend in smoking initiation, particularly in the 18-29 age group, suggesting a potential shift in public health dynamics.
The Leeds City Council, recognizing the importance of combating tobacco use, has been awarded additional funds by the Department of Health and Social Care. These funds are earmarked for the expansion of local stop smoking services, with the objective of assisting more individuals in their journey to quit smoking. Historical evidence suggests that quitting attempts are more effective when individuals seek specialist support. Services such as the Leeds Stop Smoking Service have shown to triple the chances of success compared to going it alone.
In a bid to raise public awareness about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting, a comprehensive city-wide campaign has been launched. This campaign includes distributing posters in hospitals and GP surgeries, placing banners on buses and bus stop shelters, broadcasting messages on radio and social media, as well as conducting extensive community outreach work. November saw a significant uptick in engagement, with a record 624 people registering for support, almost doubling the figure from the previous year.
The Cost of Smoking and the Benefits of Quitting
The financial implications of smoking are stark. An individual with a 20-a-day habit may incur costs of approximately £5,500 annually, based on current cigarette prices. This expense could otherwise fund a family holiday or contribute towards mounting household bills. Quitting smoking not only alleviates this financial burden but also reaps considerable health benefits. Tobacco use is accountable for one in four cancer deaths and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users, equating to around 80,000 deaths per year in the UK.
The health care system also bears the brunt of smoking-related issues. It’s estimated that every minute someone is admitted to a UK hospital due to smoking, with a staggering 75,000 GP appointments annually linked to the habit. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that quitting smoking can halve the risk of a heart attack within just one year and improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and stress levels.
Leeds, as a society, incurs a substantial cost as a result of smoking, with impacts on productivity, social care, health care, and even incidents of fire. This cost is estimated at around £286m annually, based on data from the Department for Health and Social Care and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). These figures serve as a sobering reminder of the pervasive influence of tobacco on both individual and societal well-being.
Local Services and National Ambition
The Leeds Stop Smoking Service offers free assistance to those wishing to quit. The service pairs individuals with an expert health coach for ongoing support, blending one-to-one appointments, both digital and face-to-face, with community group sessions for peer support. With government funding aimed at generating a ‘smokefree generation’ by 2030, there are additional proposals, such as making it illegal for anyone aged 15 or under to ever purchase cigarettes and extending smoking bans to more public places and vehicles.
Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, Councillor Fiona Venner, highlights the council’s commitment to this cause. She underscores that the estimated smoking rates have halved since the turn of the millennium and encourages residents to seek help, assuring continuous support regardless of past quit attempts. Alongside her, Victoria Eaton, the city’s director of public health, emphasizes the rewards of quitting smoking, particularly the potential for those who quit before the age of 35 to nearly regain the life expectancy of non-smokers.
The Leeds Stop Smoking Service, run by Reed Wellbeing on behalf of Leeds City Council, works in conjunction with mental health charity Community Links, which will soon offer support for individuals with long-term conditions aiming to stop smoking. These efforts are complemented by wider support across the city, including NHS England-funded support available in hospitals and pharmacies. Those interested in accessing these life-changing services can find more information or sign up at www.leedsstopsmoking.co.uk or by calling 0800 169 4219.
For any media inquiries related to this initiative, please contact Leeds City Council communications and marketing at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by telephone at 0113 378 6007. The concerted efforts of the local government, health services, and the community signify a steadfast approach to reducing smoking rates and paving the way towards a healthier future for all residents of Leeds.
- Leeds is ramping up its fight against smoking by offering free expert support through the Leeds Stop Smoking Service for its 111,000 smokers.
- The city aims to create a smokefree generation by 2030, supported by new funding and campaigns to expand local stop smoking services.
- Over 16.6% of adults in Leeds are regular smokers, with higher rates among men and those aged 30 to 59 years.
- Smoking costs the UK healthcare system significantly, with a staggering £286 million annual impact on society due to smoking-related issues.
- The Leeds Stop Smoking Service provides personalized support through expert health coaches and community group sessions, enhancing the chances of successful quitting.