Plymouth’s dedicated smoking cessation service has launched a new initiative to help more people across the city stop smoking.
Livewell Southwest’s health improvement team One You Plymouth, have joined forces with Plymouth Community Homes to launch the ‘Swap to Stop’ pilot, a new initiative designed to help smokers to swap cigarettes for vaping.
The One You team offers support to adults across the city to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent future illnesses and diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease by making small changes.
They have been working closely with Plymouth Community Homes – the independent housing association – to support tenants make healthier lifestyle choices and the pilot scheme will be specifically aimed at smokers.
The launch coincides with the start of Stoptober, the national campaign running throughout October to support people to stop smoking.
Mel Edwards, Health Improvement Manager at Livewell Southwest, said: “We’re really excited to be launching ‘Swap to Stop’ with Plymouth Community Homes who have been fantastic advocates for One You Plymouth by helping many of their tenants to make healthier lifestyle choices through the ‘New Home, New You’ Project.
“We will be on hand to support those who would like to take part with a free e-cigarette and a four week supply of e-liquid, visits to our free community clinics and behavioural support to help people kick their habits.
“All e-cigarette and nicotine related products in the UK are tightly regulated for quality and safety by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and they operate the Yellow Card Scheme, encouraging vapers to report any adverse effects.
“Public Health England’s advice remains that vaping carries a small fraction of the risk of smoking. Using a nicotine-containing e-cigarette makes it much more likely someone will quit successfully than relying on willpower alone – three studies this year have found them twice as effective as NRT alone. However, it’s important to use UK-regulated e-liquids and never risk vaping home-made or illicit e-liquids or adding substances.
“Research from Public Health England has also shown that if you can stop smoking for 28-days, you are five times more likely to be able to stay quit for good.”
Smokers who are tenants and are interested in taking part will be offered a free rechargeable e-cigarette, four weeks supply of liquid and dedicated support from the One You Plymouth practitioners including behavioural support.
If there are other adult smokers in the house interested in taking part, they will also be able to benefit from Swap to Stop.
Adam Stockman, Senior Housing Officer at PCH said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Livewell to deliver the Swap to Stop campaign.
“Research shows that by replacing smoking tobacco with vaping you’re more likely to quit nicotine long-term, dramatically reducing the chances of developing a dangerous illness and improving overall health and wellbeing.
“By teaming up with Livewell we have been able to arrange for our tenants to have access to a vape package which includes an E-Cigarette and a supply of the liquid refills along with regular meetings with a Health Improvement Practitioner who can provide practical and emotional support.”
If any of our residents want to start their journey to quit smoking this October they can access a Stop to Swap package by speaking with their local Housing Officer.”
One You Plymouth will also be working with Plymouth City Council to support some users of the Salvation Army and the Oasis Foodbank to stop smoking.
If you’d like to stop smoking or find out more about how One You Plymouth can support you to have a healthier lifestyle, visit the One You Plymouth website www.oneyouplymouth.co.uk or call 01752 437177.
