V is for vowing to give up smoking, V is for valuing the health of your children and V is for victory!
Wednesday 12th March 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of No Smoking Day. One of the UK’s most prevalent health awareness campaigns, it attracts support from celebrities, politicians and sporting heroes alike. This No Smoking Day over one million smokers will be rallying for victory in the battle against cigarettes and the campaign, run by the British Heart Foundation, will be helping them win!
The day aims to raise awareness of the damage smoking can cause to your health in a supportive and non-judgemental manner and make advice on quitting readily available for those who want to go smoke-free.
If you give up smoking, the benefits are immediate. After just 24 hours your lungs are already beginning to clear, so imagine how fantastic you’ll feel if you kick the habit for good! It may seem like a daunting prospect but don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. There are plenty of support networks including Stop Smoking Wales, a free NHS service which holds weekly sessions across Wales to help smokers quit.
To mark the occasion, there will be a number of different events taking place all over the country including the announcement of the winners of the , for which children attending schools in Newport and Cardiff have been asked to design a ‘No Smoking’ sign. The winner will be selected by the Mayor and have their design made into a real sign for display.
As well as this, ASH Wales will be visiting Bangor University and Coleg Gwent, Ebbw Vale, to celebrate and raise awareness. There will be lots of information on the health risks of smoking and friendly, supportive advice on how to quit, not to mention a range of exciting activities – so come and get involved!
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey OBE, said: “Nearly 70% of smokers in Wales want to stop smoking and I encourage them all to make a change for the better on March 12th. They don’t have to do this alone as there is plenty of free, NHS support offered by Stop Smoking Wales, local pharmacies and GP surgeries across Wales.”
If you’re trying to go smoke free, there’s never been a better time than No Smoking Day. Request a Fresh Start pack to help you on your way by emailing with your address.