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With life returning to normal following the Covid-19 pandemic, there has never been a better opportunity to use local One You Kent support services to help you quit smoking.

The number of people in Kent who smoke fell to 13.4% in 2020 and is at a record low but with approximately 166,000 people continuing to face serious health issues from smoking, this No Smoking Day sees Kent County Council reminding residents that help is available.

Kent County Council Director for Public Health, Anjan Ghosh said: “Our aim is to reduce smoking prevalence and health inequalities and raise awareness of the harm caused by smoking.

“Smoking is highly addictive and approximately a quarter of those who smoke are in routine and manual occupations. We also know that for smoking rates are much higher among people with a mental health condition and so we are working with our partners at community mental health support Live Well Kent to put people in touch with One You Kent smoking cessation services which can help in a range of ways – please get in touch now at www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree for help.”

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust provides smoking cessation services across Kent. Mark Cummings, 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, or go to www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree.”

According to figures from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), households where people smoke are poorer because of an addiction which usually started in childhood. Two thirds of adult smokers started before they reached 18, and most of them go on to become regular adult smokers.

Smoking is highly addictive and on average it takes thirty attempts before a smoker successfully stops for good. The findings also showed the average smoker is spending just under £2,000 a year on tobacco.

Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said: “Smoking is the single largest driver of health inequalities in England and it is shocking that it’s contributing to more than two million adults living in poverty, concentrated in the most disadvantaged regions in the country.

“Behind every statistic is a human being. A real person, threatened by the debilitating health effects of smoking, and significantly poorer because of an addiction that started in childhood.

“We look forward to the forthcoming Tobacco Control Plan to achieve the Government’s smokefree 2030 ambition, an ambition which is vital to delivering the Government’s manifesto commitments to increase healthy life expectancy, reduce inequalities and level up society.”

For information and a range of tools, tips and local support services that can help you in Kent, go to www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree.