Brentford FC have backed the NHS Stoptober campaign in a bid to encourage people in the borough to take part in the stop smoking challenge.
At a recent home game at Griffin Park players joined the NHS Hounslow stop smoking advisors on the pitch and posed with the big red Stoptober wheel along with club mascots and councillor Sachin Gupta, to spread the message to fans.
At half-time NHS advisors spoke to people about kicking the habit and handed out 150 promotional packs to help people on their way to going smoke free.
Minel Shah, Hounslow stop smoking manager said: “We are urging local smokers to sign up for Stoptober - it’s not too late for you to register and join in the challenge and access the free support on offer. Research shows that people who manage to stop smoking for the initial 28 days are five times more likely to succeed in giving up for good.
“You are also four times more likely to stop smoking with the professional help of our Hounslow stop smoking team - so get in touch with us and we will help you to improve your health and save money by going smoke free. You can also follow us on twitter to share your experiences!”
Mr Gupta, Hounslow's cabinet member for public health and leisure, said: “The Stop Smoking Service has helped thousands of local people give up smoking, and we’re keen to help even more kick the habit for good.
"The free service has regular drop-in sessions across the borough so people can easily get the help and support they need to stop.”
Last year, more than 1,000 smokers in Hounslow signed up to take part in the Stoptober challenge and received free advice and support.
If you live or work in Hounslow and would like support to stop smoking find out more at www.hrch.nhs.uk/stop-smoking or call 020 8630 3255 or text 07860 026 618.
