Brian Whittle MSP is backing a health charity’s campaign on national No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8th March 2023) by urging smokers in South Scotland to make use of support services that can help them quit, benefitting their health, wellbeing and personal finances as a result.
Brian is supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, which is highlighting that giving up smoking brings health benefits such as decreasing the risks of coronary heart disease and lung cancer, after one year and 10 years respectively, by about 50% compared to people who continue to smoke tobacco. Former Olympian Brian sponsored an event in the Scottish Parliament for ASH Scotland to meet with MSPs, highlighting the benefits of giving up smoking and showing them just some of the help available to their constituents who want to quit.
New analysis released by the charity also suggests that an average Scottish household containing people who smoke could save £3,308 within 12 months of quitting smoking.
Brian Whittle MSP said: “I’m proud to be supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign and hope that anyone in South Scotland who smokes will get in touch with their local Quit Your Way services, which provide free support and can help develop a personalised quit plan.
“Two thirds of adults in Scotland who smoke say they wish they had never started, so what better time than now to make a fresh start by deciding to quit? Not everyone manages to quit on their first attempt but it’s absolutely worth the effort. You’ll feel better, save money If you’ve tried to give up before, don’t be discouraged as it can take more than one attempt, but it will be the best thing you can do for your health and your finances, as well as your friends and family.
It was a pleasure to sponsor ASH Scotland’s event in Holyrood and I hope those MSPs who came along found it useful.”
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have Brian Whittle MSP’s support for our ‘Quit and Win’ campaign on No Smoking Day.
“Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities and it is more important than ever that people in South Scotland facing everyday stresses during the cost of living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS.
“Using Quit Your Way services can have huge positive impacts on quit smoking attempts and will significantly boost people’s health and finances when they succeed.”
Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact Quit Your Way by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484 or create a quit plan at www.quityourway.scot
ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. To keep updated about the charity’s activities, follow www.instagram.com/ash.scotland and www.twitter.com/ASHScotland.
