Sponsored Editorial: Produced in association with Kent County Council

Want to stop smoking? Why not#QuitforCovid with help from One You Kent services and the My Quit Route app?

The number of people in Kent who smoke fell to 13.7% in 2019 and is at a record low but with Covid-19 still prevalent, and causing more severe symptoms for smokers, there has been no better time to quit.

The My Quit Route app from Breaking Free Online is available now on the Google and Apple stores, plus also at www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree

It provides Kent residents with personalised support to help them quit smoking with motivational tools and evidence-based behaviour change techniques including a money saving calculator to help them prepare to quit, and then stay smoke free in the long-term.

It also signposts those who require professional help to their local support services.

Smoking tobacco damages the lungs, weakens the immune system and causes a range of severe respiratory problems.

Evidence suggests people who smoke may be at increased risk of contracting more severe symptoms if they get Covid-19.

As well as reducing the risks from complications from coronavirus, quitting smoking quickly improves your circulation and your breathing. It also reduces the risks of other health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Clair Bell said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that smoking increases the severity of the symptoms and by quitting, you can reduce the chance of needing to go to hospital.

"This week it was No Smoking Day so its is the ideal time to try the support available locally – the My Quit Route app will be part of the help offered through the One You Kent services and may benefit those who prefer to use online self-help measures.”

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust provides smoking cessation services across Kent.

Sarah Martin, One You Kent Locality Lead said: “Hundreds of smokers have come forward and successfully quit with One You Kent’s support during the pandemic, which is fantastic.

"Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be stressful.

"We offer a range of support to suit people at times convenient for you.

"Call 0300 123 1220, visit www.oneyoukent.org.uk for more information.”

Find out more about the My Quit Route app plus a range of tools, tips and local support services that can help you at www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree