Community · Swindon

Swindon Borough Council offers free support to help residents quit smoking

By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published

Illustrative stock photograph; not a verified image of the reported event or person
Illustrative stock image (Pexels); not a verified photograph of the people, place or event reported.

Swindon Borough Council is stepping up efforts to help local residents stop smoking through free support sessions and government-backed vape kits.

Swindon Borough Council is actively promoting its dedicated stop smoking service to address the high health toll of tobacco use in the area. With recent estimates suggesting that around 17,000 people in the town still smoke, the local authority is intensifying its efforts to reach residents who want to break the habit.

Smoking-related illnesses remain a significant concern for the town, accounting for approximately 640 deaths annually. To combat these figures, the council's stop smoking team has been conducting outreach sessions at local businesses, including recent visits to B&Q, to provide staff and customers with immediate access to health support.

These initiatives include on-the-spot carbon monoxide testing, which helps individuals visualise the impact of smoking on their health, and the distribution of contact cards for those seeking ongoing guidance. A key component of the current drive is the 'Swap to Stop' scheme, a government-backed programme that provides vape kits to smokers. The initiative aims to help participants transition away from traditional cigarettes by offering a less harmful alternative.

The council's efforts have seen measurable success over the past year. According to local authority data, the service supported 1,230 quit attempts during the last 12-month period, resulting in 380 residents successfully stopping smoking.

Residents interested in learning more about the support services, including how to access the 'Swap to Stop' kits or book a consultation, are encouraged to contact the Swindon Borough Council stop smoking team directly. These services remain a central pillar of the local authority's strategy to improve public health outcomes across the borough.

Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original