10,000 Birmingham smokers have quit in the past year

A RECORD 10,000 people in Birmingham have quit smoking over the past 12 months, it has been revealed. Figures show city stop smoking services are leading the national fight against smoking, and health bosses have unveiled a new campaign to help young people kick the habit. It is estimated that a third of 16-24 year olds in Birmingham are actively smoking, and the new campaign aims to deter youngsters from lighting up in the first place.

The scheme was unveiled by Birmingham City Council health chief Coun Steve Bedser and shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham. Mr Burnham said: “Our stop smoking services in Birmingham have grown from strength to strength since they were launched in 2001, going from helping just 300 in the first year to over 10,000 in the last 12 months. “That’s a UK record. This is work that really does make a difference as evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit smoking if they access support from a local NHS Stop Smoking Service.”

There are around 300 providers offering free support to Birmingham smokers, including one-to-one and group clinics in pharmacies, GP surgeries and local supermarkets. Smokers can get confidential support and advice from a trained adviser and are offered nicotine replacement therapy such as the gum and patches. Coun Bedser backed calls for cigarette packets to be stripped of all branding to further boost the number of people quitting in Birmingham.

He said: “We believe the legislation will help to protect children from the harms of tobacco. “There is evidence to show that plain or standardised packs are less appealing to young people, while plain packs will also enhance the effectiveness of the picture health warnings currently displayed on cigarette packs in motivating smokers to quit.” Services are free to any smoker living or working in Birmingham.