By Kayleigh Horn, Deputy Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding
Every October the NHS run their Stoptober campaign to encourage and support smokers to take positive steps towards quitting smoking. As the Deputy Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead here at NHC, it’s my job to support students and staff to look after their mental and physical wellbeing.
Quitting smoking, whether it’s tobacco or vapes, can be hard, but it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health and wellbeing.
Did you know….
- Smoking is estimated to cost the NHS and social care £3 billion per year
- Up to two-thirds of deaths in current smokers can be attributed to smoking.
- For symptoms of anxiety and depression, stopping smoking is as effective as taking antidepressants. Just six weeks after quitting, people start feeling happier as well as healthier.
We spoke to an NHC staff member who has worked with us for over 10 years, about the benefits they found when they gave up smoking:
“I started smoking when I was in my teens, I think it was so I was part of the crowd, but it was a heavy addiction that I found so hard to quit.
“I was motivated to quit smoking for so many reasons but found that seeking support and help from those around me, as well as the NHS, really helped to finally beat the habit. I was very active, but found that once I had stopped smoking, within weeks I noticed that my breathing during exercise was better, and I was also beating some of my past PB’s as well! Although I had to change the way I hung out with my smoker friends (to avoid temptation!) I was really honest with them about what I wanted to achieve, and they were all so supportive and together we made it work!
“Now I never look back, my health, finances, and overall wellbeing are so much more improved. If you’re thinking of quitting I would say go for it, and keep trying, the benefits are incomparable.”
If you’re up to the challenge of quitting smoking this October, you can come and speak to us in Student Services at your campus if you’re a student, or check out some of the useful links below from the NHS:
- Better Health quit smoking website: Quit smoking – Better Health – NHS
- Personal Quit Plan: Free Personal Quit Plan – Quit Smoking – NHS