Feel Healthier and Wealthier This New Year

Smokers in South Tyneside are being encouraged to start afresh and make 2022 a healthier and more prosperous year by getting support to stop for good.

With Covid still very much at large and household bills set to soar, there has never been a better time to treat an addiction to tobacco with specialist support and quit-aids.

Financial experts are warning people that they could be around £1,700 worse off by next April as a result of rising inflation and soaring energy bills but stopping smoking could help offset some of these costs.

Furthermore, smokers are more at risk from developing complications with Covid-19 as it affects the respiratory system.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "Although South Tyneside had the highest rate of smoking quitters in the North East last year, it is a sad fact that smoking is still the leading preventable cause of ill health in the Borough.

"While quitting smoking is never easy, it is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health. With the pandemic still very much at large in our communities smokers are at an increased risk of falling seriously ill.

"There really has never been a better time to stop smoking so I would urge people to reach out for support and make 2022 a turning point and feel healthier and wealthier as a result."

Help for people wanting to leave smoking behind can include specialist one-to-one support and advice, nicotine replacement therapy and text or WhatsApp support from a 'peer pal' - a trained person who has already quit and can help with the challenges ahead.

To find out more about the extensive range of help available, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/smoking