SMOKERS across Wirral are being urged to sign up to challenge of kicking the habit during October and moving towards a healthier life.

The annual 28-day Stoptober challenge begins on October 1. It was launched in Wirral today - just in time for people to get motivated and ready to quit the habit!

A series of drop-in sessions for people to sign up for the initiative starts at Asda in Bromborough on Friday and a free helpline will be set up to help.

During Stoptober, Wirral employers will be urged to support staff to stop smoking, and Wirral Community NHS Trust's Livewell Team will hold events around Wirral, encouraging and supporting people who want to quit the habit.

Figures released last month show that nearly half of all smokers who used local stop smoking services last year managed to stay smokefree.

The figures released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre showed that, between April 2013 and March 2014, 3,982 smokers set a quit date through stop smoking services delivered in Wirral, with 1,727 still smokefree at four weeks.

Fiona Johnstone, director of public health for Wirral Council said: "If you are thinking about quitting, get in touch with our local stop smoking service to receive free support and advice.

"With one to one support and free prescriptions, stop smoking services can really give you the extra help you need.

"Stopping smoking can be really tough, but even if you aren’t successful immediately, every quit attempt is another step on the journey to kicking the habit for good.

"As well as the money saved from stopping smoking, quitters will start to notice immediate health improvements.

"Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their secondhand smoke.

"If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health."

The Livewell team from Wirral Community NHS Trust is holding the following 'drop in' events throughout September to support people to quit smoking and sign up to the 28 day Stoptober challenge:

They will take place on following days:

  • Friday September 12: 10am-5pm, Asda, Bromborough from 10am-5pm. 
  • Tuesday, September 16: 9am-1pm, Rock Ferry One Stop Shop in Rock Ferry from 9am-1pm and Moreton One Stop Shop from 1.30pm-5pm.
  • Wednesday, September 17: B&Q Bidston from 10am-4pm.
  • Friday, September 19: Asda, Arrowe Park from 10am-5pm.
  • Saturday, September 20: 10am-5pm, Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead from 10am-5pm. 
  • Monday, September 22: Asda, Birkenhead Town Centre from 10am-4pm 
  • Friday, September 26: 10am-5pm, Asda, Liscard from 10am-5pm and Cherrytree Shopping Centre, Liscard from 9am-5pm.
  • Monday, September 29: Arrowe Park Hospital from 11am-3pm.

For more information about the events or to book an appointment at a stop smoking clinic call 0151 630 8383, or email: wcnt.livewell@nhs.net or contact your GP.