The Public Protection Partnership (PPP), which delivers Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Licensing services across Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire and Wokingham, is inviting smokers in West Berkshire who want to quit to the Stoptober Roadshow in Northbrook Street, Newbury, this Saturday, 29 September.
The event, which will mark the official launch of Stoptober in West Berkshire, will run between 10am and 4pm. Smokers will be provided with free advice on the different routes to quitting, the support available, and will be encouraged to sign up to the Stoptober 28 day challenge to get access to a free 12-week support programme. There will be an exhibition of the PPP Trading Standards work regarding illegal tobacco sales to young people, smuggled and counterfeit tobacco. A tobacco detection dog will be demonstrating how they find illicit tobacco.
Councillor Rick Jones, West Berkshire Lead Member for Public Health, said: “Although smoking prevalence rates are lower than in some other parts of the UK, in 2017 it was estimated that almost 16,000 of West Berkshire adults are believed to smoke and smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in West Berkshire. Stoptober is the ideal time for those serious about giving up to start. Research has shown if people can stop smoking with the right support for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.”
Councillor Iain McCracken, Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee, added: “It is a priority of the PPP Trading Standards service to reduce the risks posed to young people from the illegal sale of tobacco and nicotine products. We are working to tackle the scourge of illegal tobacco which, as well as being unlawful, undermines harm reduction policies by putting much cheaper products onto the market, some of which are counterfeit and many do not carry legally required health warnings. The PPP also has a comprehensive programme in primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and illegal tobacco. We hope to see you on Saturday.”
You can sign up to take part in Stoptober here. For information on the support available locally, contact a stop smoking advisor on 0800 622 6360, text QUIT to 66777 or visit www.smokefreelifeberkshire.com
To report the sale of illegal tobacco contact the Public Protection Partnership on 01635 519930 or e-mail us at tsadvice@westberkshire.gov.uk. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
