Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK, causing around 80,000 deaths each year and harming many organs of the body.
Livewell Southwest has pledged to help service users and people in Plymouth quit smoking, as part of the Smokefree Action Coalition campaign to reduce smoking in the UK to less than 1% by 2040.
Michelle Thomas, Chief Executive, and Karen Cook, Chair of Livewell’s Board, signed the ‘Pledge for a Smokefree UK’, confirming their commitment to the campaign and communities we serve.
Chief Executive Michelle Thomas (left) and Chair Karen Cook (right) sign the Smokefree Pledge
Developed by the Smokefree Action Coalition, this pledge replaces the existing NHS Smokefree Pledge and Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control, bringing these commitments together into a single, unified framework for action.
Livewell’s stop smoking initiatives include:
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Employment of wellbeing coaches and practitioners who are qualified to provide Mental Health Wellbeing support to staff and patients.
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Providing alternative solutions such as vapes and nicotine replacement patches to support patients to quit smoking while in care.
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Promotion of the One You Campaign and provision of the local Stop Smoking Service for Plymouth residents.
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Supporting our local NHS trusts to demonstrate their commitment to the pledge.
Michelle Thomas, Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to sign this pledge and commit to playing our part to help as many people as possible quit smoking and improve their health and wellbeing.
“We recognise that quitting smoking can be difficult, and that is why our teams are on hand to support patients, staff and members of the community who require an extra bit of support and guidance during this time.
“Livewell sites remain smokefree premises and we thank all people for adhering to this policy.”
This Pledge is for NHS organisations, local government, as well as wider public and voluntary sector organisations who are committed to reducing smoking and improving health outcomes.
You can find out more about Livewell’s Stop Smoking Service here.
