Advert to aid in smoking campaign

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/5313402.stm

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A campaign is being launched to help smokers quit ahead of the introduction of the smoking ban in NI next year.

The Health Promotion Agency's Giving Up advertisement will be broadcast for four weeks and aims to raise awareness of the help available to smokers.

Research suggests smokers are up to four times more likely to quit for good if they take professional help.

The smoking ban will come into effect in all workplaces and enclosed public spaces including pubs from next April.

Dr Brian Gaffney, chief executive of the Health Promotion Agency said the campaign would run on television and radio from 5 September.

"Giving up smoking isn't easy as nicotine is a highly addictive drug, but over three quarters of smokers in Northern Ireland (77%) have said that they would like to quit," he said.

"This campaign will let those smokers' know that they don't have to go it alone and that free professional support is available in their local area to help take the stress out of quitting."

Helpline

He said research had indicated that there was a need to change smokers' perceptions of the process of giving up and to emphasise that quitting is possible.

"Withdrawal symptoms can be managed and help and support can increase the chances of successfully stopping," he said.

"With the implementation of smokefree legislation in just over six months¿ time, this is an ideal opportunity for those smokers who want to quit to start planning now. "

Free information and professional advice is available by contacting the Smokers¿ Helpline on 0800 85 85 85.¿