Free support in Oxfordshire for smokers wanting to quit

Stop for Life Oxon provides personalised one-on-one support, which includes the distribution of free rechargeable vapes.

Smokers aiming to quit can now join a 30-day challenge that offers a free vape starter kit and coaching assistance.

Stop for Life Oxon has previously supported thousands across the county to give up smoking, using methods such as vapes and other nicotine substitution therapies.

Rechargeable vapes are being promoted as an aid to stop smoking

With this assistance, people are three times more likely to successfully give up smoking.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, cabinet member for public health, inequalities, and community safety, said: "Cigarettes are one of the most harmful products on the market – killing up to two of every three lifelong smokers.

"For a 20-a-day smoker, it costs on average £384 per month and over £4600 per year.

“However, the positive impact of stopping smoking is immediate – with lung function and circulation improving in a few weeks, the risk of a heart attack drastically falling within one year, and the risk of cancer reducing in subsequent years, compared with someone who continued smoking."

Mr Ley also pointed out the other advantages of stopping smoking, such as better taste and smell, lower stress, and safeguarding loved ones and pets from the harm of second-hand smoke.

He continued: “Rechargeable vapes are a great tool for adults to help with quitting smoking.

"They are almost twice as effective as other forms of nicotine replacement therapy,

"I personally know people have managed to quit this way.

"Stop for Life Oxon can support you to access a free kit to help you on your journey to quitting your smoking habit for good.”

Ex-smokers and those swapping cigarettes for vapes are being urged to share their stories for a chance to win £50.

A new survey aiming to collect these stories to motivate others to quit has been launched.

Those participating in the survey could win one of five £50 prizes.

Mr Ley added: "We also want people to help us inspire other Oxfordshire residents by telling us how and why they quit.

"Why did you quit? Was it to improve your health or finances, or perhaps for a family or a loved one?

"Had you been through a cycle of quitting and starting again – how did you succeed?"

The questionnaire will be available for 30 days, closing on April 10, and coincides with a campaign encouraging current smokers to take up the 30-day challenge.

To participate and learn more about the survey, visit Oxfordshire County Council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.