Smoking is the greatest single cause of avoidable deaths and health inequalities in the UK

One in every two lifelong smokers will die from their habit

Stoptober encourages smokers to take up the 28 day challenge

Those struggling to quit using conventional nicotine replacement products are encouraged to switch to electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are the most popular stop smoking aid in England helping smokers to quit or cut down, with only a fraction of the harms of smoking tobacco

OneYou and Stoptober logos will be seen together

How to raise the issue of smoking with clients?

It takes as little as 30 seconds to deliver ‘Very Brief Advice’ on smoking

There is no need to ask smokers to stop, how much they smoke nor even if they want to stop

Follow the ASK, ADVISE and ACT three steps:

• 1. ASK – Is your client a smoker, ex-smoker or a non smoker?
• 2. ADVISE – The best way of stopping smoking is with a combination of medication and specialist support (You’re 4 times more likely to quit!)
• 3. ACT – Provide additional information and refer them to their local Stop Smoking Service ‘Live Well Luton’ (contact details given below)

The National Centre for Smoking Cessation & Training (NCSCT) offers a 30 minute online training module about giving ‘Very Brief Advice’. To access visit: http://elearning.ncsct.co.uk/vba-launch

Where to refer clients?

Smokers are 4 times more likely to quit successfully with the help of their local stop smoking service. With highest quit rates experienced by those using electronic cigarettes and accessing support from their stop smoking service: Live Well Luton is supported by Luton Borough Council and offers FREE specialist stop smoking support to smokers living or working in Luton. A specialist advisor can support smokers to quit, cut down or temporarily abstain and give expert advice on stop smoking products available.

For more information or to refer clients please call: Live Well Luton, on 01582 757635 or visit www.livewell-luton.org.uk.