Cheap cigarettes

Stop-smoking sessions in Wear Valley District

Published on July 10, 2008 10:16 AM

The Council from Wear Valley District decided to stop smoking among their employers. They were supported by employers too. Many people are against cigarettes and smoking because it is known that smoking is linked with risk of suicide. People that smoke know the disadvantages but they can’t quit. That’s why the Council from Wear Valley District decided to help their employers to quit smoking.

The Council decided to organize every two weeks stop-smoking meetings in order to give staff the help and information they need to quit.

Andrew Hall, a training officer with the council who gave up cigarettes 12 years ago, set up the group of employers. Only five volunteers have signed up.

Mr. Hall said that when he smoked he spend £40 a week on cigarettes. Now he thinks that is better to spend this money on other things more important than cigarettes. He told that with this money you can buy things that can bring you health but not take it.

"Wear Valley District Council takes its responsibility to help people to stop smoking very seriously by allowing people to attend group sessions. They enabled me to train and become qualified in coaching people to stop smoking. I am passionate to help people stop, as I believe it's the best decision I made after being a 20- a-day smoker for 20 years. Stopping smoking is hard, but the support group does help others to kick the habit," Mr. Hall said.

Joanne Harnett, an administrative officer for electoral registration said, "Because I can attend during work time, I know I will go to the group every week and that has really given me the support I needed to stop smoking and continue it. Knowing there is other people going through the same thing really help."

In Wear Valley about 150 people a year die from smoking-related illnesses.