Liverpool City Council has initiated a transformative stop-smoking campaign centered around Stoptober.
Designed to highlight the advantages of quitting smoking, the campaign leverages creative visuals and messaging to inspire residents.
Liverpool City Council has launched a new, digital-first campaign to support the nationwide Stoptober initiative. This year’s theme, “It’s Well Worth It,” uses compelling visuals and positive messaging to highlight the benefits of quitting smoking. The programme aims to provide residents with encouragement and access to resources that can aid in their journey toward a smoke-free life.
Councillor Harry Doyle, the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, expressed pride in backing the Stoptober campaign. “We believe in empowering individuals to make better health choices,” stated Doyle. He stressed the city’s ongoing commitment to provide comprehensive support, including advice and encouragement, for those attempting to quit smoking.
Despite a significant drop in smoking rates in Liverpool since 2013, smoking remains a top cause of preventable death and disease. Reducing smoking rates is crucial for community health. The Stoptober campaign focuses on collaborative efforts, aiming to educate the public on smoking’s detrimental effects and to promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Liverpool introduced the Tobacco Control Strategy earlier this year, setting ambitious targets for the city. By 2030, the strategy aims to reduce smoking prevalence from over 17% to just 5%. This long-term plan involves changing perceptions of smoking and advocating for legislative reforms to reduce tobacco use citywide.
The strategy outlines specific actions, such as public education initiatives and support services for smokers. These measures are designed to give residents the best chance of success in quitting. By combining targeted efforts with broader public health policies, Liverpool aims to enhance community well-being.
Professor Matthew Ashton, Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, shed light on the struggles faced by those trying to quit smoking. “Most smokers desire to quit, yet it often takes multiple attempts,” he commented. Ashton highlighted the widespread impact of smoking on families and communities and urged smokers to seize the opportunity provided by campaigns like Stoptober.
He added that while cessation is challenging, the availability of supportive resources can greatly increase chances of success. Ashton advocates for continuous effort and resilience in the cessation journey, emphasizing the importance of never giving up.
Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits. Former smokers experience improvements in their respiratory health and cardiovascular function. Moreover, quitting reduces the risk of smoke-related diseases significantly, enhancing quality and longevity of life.
Economically, quitting can lead to substantial savings over time. Smokers who quit can avoid the high costs associated with purchasing tobacco products, thereby improving their financial well-being.
The Stoptober campaign in Liverpool strives to achieve a healthier community by reducing smoking prevalence. Through continuous engagement and innovative strategies, the campaign seeks to support individuals in their quest to quit smoking. As Liverpool aspires to meet its ambitious targets, the city’s efforts provide a model for others in public health advancement.
Liverpool’s commitment to reducing smoking rates is underscored by its latest Stoptober campaign.
This initiative is pivotal in supporting ongoing efforts to improve public health through smoking cessation.