By Charlotte Webster-
The NHS is gearing up for an impactful new smokefree campaign aimed at motivating the 5.3 million smokers in England to embark on a quit attempt this January.
The initiative is not only centered around improving individual health but also carries the crucial objective of reducing the likelihood of young people starting smoking.
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In a poignant campaign film released today, former England goalkeeper David James,(pictured) who successfully quit smoking, joins other ex-smokers to discuss the significant influence their parents’ smoking had on them taking up the habit.
The film delves into the impact of smoking on personal health and, in James’ case, how it affected his performance on the football world stage.
The UK aims to be the world’s first country to create a smokefree generation by phasing out tobacco sales. The forthcoming law will prevent the legal sale of tobacco in England to children who turned 14 in 2023 or are younger.
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A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health revealed that three-quarters (76%) of people in England support the notion of creating a smokefree generation, with only 9% opposing it.
David James, sharing his experience, stated, “My health, my children, and my fans were huge motivators for me to quit – I didn’t want younger people to see me smoking and think it was okay.”
The government is taking strides to support smoking cessation, introducing the Swap to Stop scheme. As part of this program, the government has received requests for an unprecedented 259,000 vapes from local authorities nationwide, providing smokers with a viable tool to quit.
Public Health Minister Andrea Leadsom emphasized the urgency of acting now to protect the next generation from the harms of smoking and the risk of addiction.
Smoking remains a significant public health concern, causing 64,000 deaths a year in England alone. The economic impact of smoking amounts to £17 billion annually, with substantial costs incurred by the NHS and society.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, emphasized the importance of quitting at any age, stating, “Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked, it’s never too late to stop.”
The new NHS campaign seeks to empower smokers to take that critical step towards quitting, contributing not only to individual well-being but also to the collective goal of creating a smokefree generation in the UK.
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