Two smoking cessation officers have been appointed to provide more opportunities for residents to access support. Part of the Health and Wellbeing Service, the new team members will focus on reaching individuals in areas where the smoking rates are highest, as well as those facing mental illness, addiction issues, and homelessness. The targeted support aims to help these individuals quit smoking and make lasting health improvements.
The smoking cessation officers will support those who want to quit using 1-1 sessions and/or groupwork. Informal drop-in sessions are also held at Barrow Library every Tuesday 2.00-3.00pm.
Another key initiative being offered to help people quit is free places on a clinically proven intervention programme, Allen Carr’s Easyway (ACE), which has been endorsed by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a drug-free method for quitting smoking. There is also support available from a list of participating pharmacies.
These initiatives form part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s broader ambition to achieve Smoke-Free status by 2030; a goal that involves reducing smoking prevalence in the region from the current 11.1% to just 5% of the population. To reach this target, the council estimates that 10,000 residents need to quit smoking successfully, alongside a focus on preventing smoking initiation among young people.
Katrina Stephens, Director of Public Health at Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Our goal to achieve Smoke-Free status by 2030 is ambitious, but by providing the right support and interventions we can work towards achieving this. The smoking cessation officers are a way we can support people to stop smoking for good and significantly improve their health.”
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care, said: “With the start of the new year, there’s no better time to embrace positive changes. I’m delighted that we can offer specialist support through our dedicated smoking cessation officers. Their work will not only help residents quit smoking but also play a vital role in reducing health inequalities, improving overall community health, and easing the strain on our NHS. Let’s make 2025 a year of healthier beginnings for everyone in our area.”
For more information on how to access these resources, residents can visit our website.