The number of people who smoke in East Sussex Downs and Weald will be halved by 2020.
That's the goal of the local NHS as the Department of Health unveils a new national plan to boost the number of people quitting tobacco.
Under the plan smokers will be able to get even more expert help and advice at times and in places that suit them.
Peter Aston, who is in charge of the East Sussex Stop Smoking Service says,
"Stopping smoking can be really very difficult and frustrating and even though most people want to, there is temptation out there every step of the way. Research shows that seven out of ten smokers want to give up; they obviously believe it would be the best thing to do if only they could.
That is where the NHS steps in, making sure there is practical help, moral support, advice and also information about nicotine replacement therapies and medication.
One in two people who use their local NHS Stop Smoking Service are not smoking four weeks later. Using medicines such as patches or gum to manage cravings, makes people up to four times more likely to be successful."
The NHS offers:
Free local NHS Helpline 0800 917 8896
Support at home by phone, post, email or text
Advice on nicotine replacement therapies and medications that help during withdrawal, including which ones are available on prescription from GPs
Brochures, DVDs, leaflets
One to one and group support sessions
Advice on becoming smoke-free during pregnancy
Website: www.smokefree.nhs.uk
In East Sussex in 2008/09 over 3,400 people quit* smoking through NHS stop smoking services of which
1,919 were from the East Sussex Downs and Weald area.
The services are available no matter how many times people have tried to give up smoking or how addicted they are. Some smokers will need longer-term support and treatment which is also available.
