A campaign focussed on helping smokers thinking about kicking their habit has been given a boost thanks to the launch of a pop up shop in the centre of Bath.
Sirona Health have teamed-up with Bath and North East Somerset Council to open a pop-up ‘Stoptober’ shop in Westgate Street.
Stoptober is the national NHS campaign to encourage people to stop smoking.
Evidence shows that if smokers shake the habit for 28 days, then they are five times more likely to stop for good. Stoptober runs every year across the whole month of October, with celebrities like Al Murray, Paddy McGuinness and Lee Nelson backing the campaign.
The Stoptober pop up shop is located at 25 Westgate Street, offering help and advice to those thinking of kicking the habit.
But anyone interested will have to be quick – as it’s only there until this Saturday (27th September).
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Bath, Steve Bradley, joined the Sirona team at the shop yesterday to learn more about their campaign.
He said: “I’m keen to help ensure people in Bath live longer, healthier lives. One in every six adults in Bath and North East Somerset is currently a smoker – slightly lower than the national average.
“Statistics show that half of all smokers will eventually die from a smoking-related illness, whilst 70% have considered giving up. So this pop-up shop is a great way to provide help and advice in a convenient city centre location.
“I would urge anyone thinking of quitting to call in to chat with the friendly and supportive team there”.
Cllr Simon Allen is the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for health.
He added “Using a pop-up shop to support and encourage those trying to stop smoking is really innovative.
“As an ex-smoker myself I know how difficult it can be to quit, and getting help to stop really increases your chances of success.
“I’m delighted that the Liberal Democrat-run council is working with Sirona to come up with new ways like this to promote healthier lifestyles to our residents.’
The pop-up shop has been open all this week, and will remain in-place until Saturday 27th September. If you’re thinking of kicking the habit for Stoptober and are in town over the next few days, this is your chance to find out more.
