Walsall smokers urged to ‘send off’ their final fags

Walsall Stop Smoking Service (WSSS) is urging quitters not to ‘give up giving up’ as they face the toughest test of time. Traditionally two weeks on from New Year’s Day is the most common time for quit attempts to fail but a new NHS campaign aims to change this tradition. Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust (Walsall tPCT), aims to reassure smokers of the variety of free help available to them and encourage them to say goodbye for good. Locally, during January 2007 there will be drop in sessions held every Saturday from 10 am till 12noon at St Paul’s the Crossing in Walsall. 

Joanna Robinson, Smoking Cessation Co-Ordinator for Walsall tPCT, said: “Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but with the right help you can get rid of cigarettes for good. There’s never been more help available – patches, gum, Drop Ins, text support – there’s a way to quit that’s right for you.”

The new ‘send off’ adverts which, will feature in local press, radio and online, portray all the different, and often humorous ways, smokers can get rid of their last packet of cigarettes. Some of the methods included are tying them to a punchbag, pinning them to an archery board, striking them with a golf club, drowning them in a puddle or Morris dancing on them.

WSSS offer help and support to anyone who is considering stopping. One to one and group support are available at various times and locations throughout Walsall. During January 2007 there will be drop in sessions held every Saturday from 10 am till 12noon at St Paul’s the Crossing in Walsall. 

For more information on how to quit smoking call 0800 169 9346.