Smokers urged to ‘break up’ this Valentine’s Day

We are calling on couples in the county to ‘break up’ with cigarettes this Valentine’s Day and take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle together.

Recent research has found smokers are 10 times more likely to quit if their partner decides to kick the habit at the same time. In general, people have a better chance of achieving a health goal – whether that’s stopping smoking, losing weight or exercising more – if they take on the challenge with a loved one.

We are now encouraging smokers in the county to make a pledge to quit smoking with a partner, friend or family member to increase their chances of success. There’s also still time for couples to sign up to our current ‘1,000 Smokers Wanted’ campaign, to receive free specialist stop smoking advice and practical support.

Henry Tapp, the Team Lead for Live Well Suffolk’s stop smoking services, said: “When you’re trying to quit smoking, it really does help to have the support of a loved one or friend. You can offer each other support, encouragement and motivation when cravings start to kick in. It also helps to know that someone you’re close to is going through the same experience as you. We’ve recently had a couple quit smoking with us, who between them saved £3,000 in just three months, so doing it together really does make a difference.

“You’ll both be four times more likely to stop smoking with our help than you will be if you go about it yourselves. The support we provide is completely free and will be tailored to you both as individuals. We can also advise on the best form of nicotine replacement therapy for you – things like patches, gum or inhalators – and we offer private appointments with one of our trained stop smoking advisors at a time and location that suits you.”

If you would like us to help you and your loved one to quit smoking, text QUIT to 80011, phone us on 01473 229292 or visit our website: www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk.