Hopwood Hall students point to a smokefree future

Andrew Forrest with Level 4 Sport Foundation Degree Student Jake Atkins at Hopwood Hall College

Hopwood Hall College students are heading for a smokefree future with the help of local stop smoking service Living Well.

For this month’s national Stoptober campaign, Living Well have had a regular stand at the college to warn students of the dangers of smoking and to encourage smokers to quit. Creating a smokefree generation is also a priority of Rochdale Borough Council and the work contributes towards Greater Manchester’s ambition of becoming the first place in the world to eradicate smoking.

Living Well’s stop smoking team manager Andrew Forrest said: “Smoking is the biggest cause of premature death across the nation with one in two long term smokers dying prematurely from a smoking disease. So we’re at Hopwood College throughout October to warn young people about the massive impact smoking has on long term health and offer support to those who want to stop.”

The Stoptober campaign encourages all of England’s 6 million smokers to take part in Public Health England’s 28-day stop smoking challenge.

"By just stopping for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stop for good. But you give your chances a much bigger boost if you talk to our experienced advisors who can also offer you free one-to-one support together with nicotine replacement and e-cigarette options,” added Andrew.

Councillor Wendy Cocks, assistant cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see our stop smoking services working with young people across Rochdale to ensure we create a smokefree generation and help eradicate smoking in the borough.

“Whatever motivation people have for quitting, we urge everyone to take advantage of Living Well’s stop smoking services and quit for good this Stoptober.”

You can search online for Stoptober to get a free Personal Quit Plan, which helps smokers find the right support for them. Or just call 01706 751190 to make an appointment with Living Well’s free stop smoking advisors.