PEOPLE are being encouraged to give up smoking as part of Stoptober.

The annual nationwide campaign which takes place for 28 days during October aims to get people to give up smoking for good.

Provide has been commissioned by Essex County Council to help support people who want to quit.

Advisors can help provide a taylor-made support package to help manage stress, eating well and how to overcome triggers.

People can also take a carbon monoxide test to see how much smoking damages your lungs.

Find your nearest site by visiting to www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk/stop-smoking

John Gear, a Stop Smoking Advisor who is leading the Stoptober campaign for Essex Lifestyles said: “Smoking remains the nation’s highest cause of preventable and premature death. Sometimes people smoke because they are stressed, bored, isolated or are frightened that they will put on weight if they stop.

“It’s never too late to stop, even if you’ve been diagnosed with a serious respiratory disease, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Stopping smoking significantly reduces risks to your health and will stop the disease getting worse.

“It can be hard to quit but the good news is that we can help! You are four times more likely to succeed with our support and treatment. I would urge people to take the first step by contacting us “

For more infomration call 03003039988 or email provide.essexlifestyles@nhs.net.