Enfield launches new stop smoking campaign

A new campaign has been launched by Enfield Council that urges residents 'Don't go Broke for a Smoke'. The campaign is aimed at getting people to think about how much they spend on their habit in an effort to reduce how much people smoke.

On average, the council says that 20 cigarettes cost a total of £9.00, working out at 45p per smoke. Smoking just half a pack a day results in a cost of £31.50 a week, meaning you can spend £1,638 a year on your habit.

Councillor Rohini Simbodyal, the cabinet member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Public Health at Enfield Council, said: “Smoking is very a harmful habit. It not only causes serious health problems including cancer but is highly expensive.

“There are so many reasons to give it up, not just the health and social benefits of not breathing in smoke all the time but the idea that by cutting down you could save well over a thousand pounds a year, or more, and spend it on something else."

After the excesses of the festive period, January is a good time for people to quit smoking. As well as highlighting the costs of the habit, Enfield Council is also providing a Stop Smoking service, which offers advice and support for those wishing to kick the habit. The service is free to call on 0800 652 8405 and could help with reducing the amount you smoke as well as helping you to stop all together.

Smoking is also hugely damaging to your health. Dr. Mo Abedi, Chair of Enfield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Smoking is the greatest preventable cause of death and disability in the borough.

“Enfield GPs see the effects of smoking every day, and I can only recommend that any smoker uses the free support available to help them stop."

Published 15th January, 2015

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