AN EVENT to discuss how to stub out smoking for good was held in Wirral last week.

Attended by more than 60 representatives from 22 health organisations, the event discussed ways in which Wirral Council and health bodies can help people stop smoking for good.

Acting director for health and wellbeing at the council Julie Webster and head of Smoking Cessation Services for ABL Wirral Elizabeth Woodworth represented the borough.

Speaking of the event, Julie said: “Smoking is still the leading cause of early death and disease in Wirral.

"Most smokers wish they hadn’t started smoking or want to quit.

“What we’re realising is that to truly make smoking history in Wirral, we must think outside the box in terms of the support we offer to people to kick the habit.”

The event came following the publication of a report on e-cigarette usage in England by Public Health England (PHE) in February 2019.

According to the report, only 4% of quit attempts through stop smoking services in England are made using e-cigarettes, despite this being an effective approach.

Wirral’s stop smoking service, ABL Wirral, are an ‘e-cig friendly’ service, supporting e-cigarette usage as a smoking cessation (quitting) aid.

Cabinet member for Adult Care and Health Cllr Chris Jones said: “I’m proud that Wirral is able to host this event and contribute to a national conversation on a key public health priority.

“Borough-wide I encourage everyone who smokes to take on the challenge this year.

"With the help of our local stop smoking advisers and the campaign’s support and motivation, I am sure we will see many successful quit attempts this year in Wirral.”

Free support from health experts at ABL Wirral is available to anyone who wants to cut out cigarettes or wants help switching to or quitting e-cigs. You can call the service for support on 0151 541 5656 or visit www.ablhealth.co.uk.