Thousands of smokers on the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to ‘take the leap’ on No Smoking Day 14^th March 2012.

Nearly one in six UK adults smoke (1), including over 20,000 – some 18% of adults - on the Isle of Wight (2). UK figures however, show that two thirds of adults who smoke want to quit (3).

NHS Stop Smoking Advisors will be in St James Square, Newport, offering free lung health checks to help smokers ditch cigarettes for good on Wednesday 14 March – No Smoking Day, between 10am and 4pm.

This year smokers are being asked carry out the campaign slogan ‘take the leap’ from February 29 – leap year day – onwards and get ready to quit on No Smoking Day itself.

Heather Rowell, Public Health Specialist for Stop Smoking Services said: “The benefits of not smoking begin within hours and boost not just your health but your wallet too. Thousands of smokers on the Isle of Wight attempt to quit on No Smoking Day, so if you’re a smoker, why not take the leap and join in.”

No Smoking Day ambassador and Dragon’s Den star, Duncan Bannatyne, said: “As an ex-smoker myself I know how hard it can be to give up but I promise it’s worth the effort. You’re four times more likely to succeed if you get help from your local stop smoking service, which is why I wholeheartedly support NHS Isle of Wight’s efforts to let Islanders know what help and support is available.” 

To get help and support to quit smoking go to www.nhsstopsmokingiow.co.uk , phone 0800 0224 332, visit your GP or local pharmacy.

Isle of Wight NHS is part of a network of organisations across the UK that manage local activities for the No Smoking Day campaign.

The annual health campaign, which is now in its 29^th year and recently merged with the British Heart Foundation, is responsible for helping more than 750,000 smokers attempt to quit on the day, and for inspiring another two million to seek out information to help them quit in future.

For more information on the benefits of quitting as well as top quit tips, visit www.taketheleap.co.uk