Smokefree Southport Gets in Gear

A new service to encourage people in Sefton to stop smoking will be launched later this month.

The new-look Smokefree Sefton, commissioned by Sefton Council Public Health and a partner of Living Well Sefton, has a ‘Wellness on Wheels’ Smokefree bus which will visit communities giving people the chance to start their smokefree journey or plan their own time to quit smoking.

The bus will be stopping off at Chapel Street, Southport on Wednesday 27 September and outside Bootle Strand Shopping Centre on Saturday 30 September between 11am and 3pm to offer tips and advice on how to stop smoking.

The team will have a smoothie-making bike available for people to make their own super fruit smoothie on while pedaling and a face painter is also going to be there on one of the days.

Smokefree Sefton, formerly part of Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, offers a choice of free help and support including face-to-face support from friendly advisors, selected local pharmacies plus phone and text support. They also offer support for those wanting to quit e-cigarettes.

There are approximately 35,019 smokers in Sefton – about 15.9% of the adult population (Integrated Household Survey 2014). If Smokefree Sefton can reduce the numbers of people smoking in the borough, it can have an impact on the overall health of both smokers and those affected by smoking.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member Health and Wellbeing, said: “Stopping smoking is the biggest thing you can do to benefit your health, with 50% of smokers dying early.

“We know that the vast majority of smokers in Sefton are keen to quit and there is lots of support available to those who have tried unsuccessfully to stop smoking in the past.

“So, whether you’re looking to prevent future ill health, increase your energy and improve your breathing, or would simply like more money in your pocket, I would urge you to sign up.”