Council supports new Quitforcovid national anti-smoking campaign

With the coronavirus emergency putting unprecedented strain on the NHS and England’s Chief Medical Officer urging smokers to give up smoking to lower their risk, there’s never been a better time to quit smoking.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Horsham District Council’s Horsham Wellbeing team has continued to support local residents and those working across the District who wish to stop smoking.

There are so many reasons to quit smoking but there has also never been a more important time than right now during the coronavirus pandemic. Horsham Wellbeing is supporting a new national campaign called Quitforcovid, which is helping to raise awareness of just how critical it is to seek out support to stop smoking.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection, it affects the lungs and airways. Emerging evidence suggests that smoking puts people more at risk from severe complications from COVID-19. The good news is that the evidence is showing that COVID-19 is increasing smokers’ desire to quit.

Residents can make appointments with our Health and Wellbeing advisers over the phone and be given free tailored advice and support. Online support is also available.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan commented:

Our message is simple. If you’re trying to stop smoking, you don’t have to go it alone, help is available from this key service, and it’s absolutely free.

“The best thing a smoker can do, particularly at the current time, is quit to protect themselves and others and to reduce the impact on hard pressed NHS services.

“If you are a smoker, I would really urge you to contact our team for advice.”

“Smokers are also much more likely to get other health problems at a time when the NHS is under strain from coronavirus.”

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan

If you would like support to quit smoking then please contact our advisors on 01403 215111 or email: info@horshamdistrictwellbeing.org.uk

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk