No Smoking at Buckley Hall

Date article online: 16/03/2007

Prisoners at Buckley Hall woke up to an extra special breakfast to celebrate national No Smoking Day on Wednesday 14 March.

The breakfast table was laid with Stop Smoking leaflets and literature whilst inmates feasted on a healthy hearty breakfast of yoghurts, fruit and juice paid for by the Primary Care Trust. Followed by a special healthy lunch.

The No Smoking theme continued throughout the day as Buckley Hall continues its battle to become a Smokefree Prison.

Prisoners were educated in the harmful affects of second -hand smoke and even visitors were encouraged to make a Smokefree Homes Promise before they left.

Smoking cessation support clinics for the prisoners were available in the afternoon. Currently Buckley Hall accounts for almost 25% of all PCT recorded 4 week quit rates. It is believed that incentives such as extra gym sessions and the reward of fresh fruit is responsible for persuading more and more prisoners to quit smoking for good.

As a general rule prisoners are offered Stop Smoking counselling each week for up to 12 weeks which again has proved successful in helping prisoners kick the habit.

Staff lead by example and the prison holds popular Stop Smoking Clinics specially for staff. So far 29 members of staff at Buckley Hall have attended the smoking cessation classes since January 07.

Evidence suggests that more people are likely to quit smoking for good with the help of their local Stop Smoking Service rather than going cold turkey so contact T.A.S.K Stop Smoking Service on 01706 708001.