The City of York council has launched a nationwide campaign, ‘Swap 2 Stop’, to help encourage smokers to make the switch from smoking to vaping to improve their health.

Smokers are addicted to nicotine, not tobacco, and it’s the tar and toxic chemicals produced in tobacco smoke that kill. Therefore, the switch from smoking to vaping is a positive health move, says the council.

Lucy Steels-Walshaw, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said, “Stopping smoking completely and for good is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. It lowers your risk of getting cancer and other illnesses, saves you money and stops the harm caused to those around you from passive smoke.

“Stopping smoking at any age can lengthen and improve your quality of life, even if you have a smoking-related illness. Stopping smoking is difficult, but by switching to vaping with the help of our health trainers, it can help you quit smoking forever.”

York residents who are smokers and aged 18 years and over can get free confidential support alongside free vapes or nicotine replacement products for four weeks, or up to 10 weeks, if they join the main smoking behaviour change programme.

Individuals can self-refer online or by calling the team and are able to gain access to full smoking support with an appointment with a health trainer.

Alternatively, residents can access the ‘Swap 2 Stop’ vape offer, which is a four week vape starter kit that will be posted to them.

Peter Roderick, director of public health at City of York council, said, “Swap 2 Stop is about encouraging smokers to make the switch to vapes. One of the reasons we’re supporting this national scheme is that smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer. It causes more than 16 different types of cancer. There’s also great savings to be made and if you smoke 20 a day, you could save around £2,500 a year.

“As the director of public health, I’m very clear that this scheme is for over 18-year-olds and that we need to protect young people from using vapes. This scheme is about helping people quit smoking and they’re not for teenagers or young people. Through schools, we’re offering lots of help and support to help teens quit vaping.”

Kevin’s story

Kevin Spencer gave up smoking after 50 years by switching to vapes with the support of health trainer, Fiona Lambeth.

At his first appointment, Fiona explained the effect smoking was having on his body, and he did a simple breath test that showed the amount of carbon monoxide in his blood. She then talked through the different nicotine therapy options on offer.

Kevin said, “She gave me the option of using them all, and I used the patch for a couple of days, but the vape is the one I’ve taken to. I received all the equipment on the Saturday morning, and by Saturday dinner time I’d stopped smoking! I’ve never looked back and never had a cigarette since.

“Fiona was absolutely fantastic, she was understanding, she knew exactly what was needed, she kept in touch to ask how I was doing - it’s a brilliant service.”

For more information visit www.york.gov.uk/CYCHealthTrainers

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