Brian Whittle MSP was showing his support for No Smoking Day (9th March 2022) at Holyrood and urged South Scotland residents to consider giving up smoking to improve both mental and physical health.
The MSP, who is a Co-convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Improving Scotland’s health, is supporting a campaign led by ASH Scotland. The health charity is encouraging people to ‘Quit Your Way’ by seeking advice and support which work best for individual circumstances from local stop smoking services, community pharmacies or the national stop-smoking service Quit Your Way Scotland run by NHS 24.
Although the smoking rate in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran health board area has dropped to 20 per cent in 2018, more progress is required if the Scottish Government’s ambitious target of reducing the rate to five per cent or less by 2034 is to be met.
Brian Whittle MSP said: “I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s No Smoking Day campaign and urge my constituents across South Scotland who smoke to reach out to local stop smoking services and community pharmacies who provide free support and can help develop a personalised quit plan.
“I encourage people to try quitting again, if a previous attempt did not work. ASH Scotland advises me that some people find giving up cigarettes or tobacco easier than they had thought but, for others, it can take a number of attempts. It is worth give quitting smoking another go to bring benefits to both your mental and physical health.”
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have Brian Whittle MSP’s support for our No Smoking Day campaign encouraging his constituents in South Scotland.
“Nicotine is highly addictive but, with the right support to meet individual needs, quitting smoking your way can quickly improve mental health and, within a year of stopping, the risk of coronary heart disease reduces by half compared to someone who smokes.”
People in Ayrshire and Arran who have the goal of giving up smoking can contact a local Quit Your Way adviser by calling on 0800 783 9132, call the Quit Your Way Scotland national helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot
