More than ever giving up smoking, says NHS

Last year 2,763 people in Rotherham stopped smoking with the help of NHS support.

Simon Lister, manager of NHS Rotherham's Stop Smoking Service, said: "We are really delighted that so many people have chosen to stop smoking with our support.

"We know that around two-thirds of all smokers want to stop, and our service is there to help them. Our advisors offer a range of options for people wanting to quit, including group and one-to-one sessions, and since January we have also offered telephone support.

"Drop-in sessions and Quit Stop, our town-centre shop, mean that the moment people feel motivated to stop they can come to us and get the help they need straight away."

Julie Blackburn, who used to smoke 20 cigarettes a day, has recently quit with help from the service.

She said: "I knew the risks of my smoking but it was seeing my 10-month old grandson that encouraged me to stop. I want to be around to see him grow up.

"Whenever I get a craving for a cigarette I look at one of my photos of him to remind myself why I've given up.

"I couldn't have done it without the support of the Stop Smoking Service and their advisors. I used the service based at Rotherham Hospital and the girls there were great. I wish I'd given up years ago."

Alison Iliff, tobacco control lead for NHS Rotherham, added: "We are working to educate children and young people on the benefits of being a non-smoker to prevent them taking up the habit and with Trading Standards to tackle the import and trade of fake and smuggled cigarettes.

"The Smokefree Homes initiative is protecting our communities, particularly the young, from the dangers of second-hand smoke. With 25 per cent of people in Rotherham smoking, addressing these issues is more important than ever."