What is Stoptober?
Stoptober is a 28 day long event run each October during which participants are encouraged to stop smoking. Public Health England created the annual campaign and continues to fund it.
The idea is that participants pledge themselves to not smoke during the 28 day period, with a mind to giving up altogether. Over 250000 smokers took part last year and even more are expected to sign up for 2015 and beyond.
When Did Stoptober Start
The first Stoptober campaign launched in 2012 and was an outstanding success with the power of social media very much being involved in the popularity for the event. There has been a massive amount of buzz for the Stoptober events with celebs joining in and the nation standing together to encourage each other to quit smoking and enjoy the benefits of doing so.
Why Does it Work?
The idea behind the event is based on evidence that shows that after twenty eight days without a cigarette smokers are as much as five times more likely to give up smoking for good.
It is widely recognised that giving up tobacco smoking is an extremely difficult task for some however with the wealth of support available through the scheme itself, friends, family, the NHS and other participants, as well as resources, an app, social media channels and more it is clear to see why Stoptober is successful.
Benefits
Smoking tobacco cigarettes is harmful to your health and the health around you, not to mention the environment and your bank balance. None of these are facts that are disputed however many do still find themselves smoking regardless as they haven't been motivated enough or felt that they had the right level of will-power to quit.
Stoptober offers a wealth of support to help you achieve your goal of giving up your tobacco habit and enjoy the many health, wellbeing and financial benefits of quitting smoking.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved couldn't be easier, simply sign up and await your free information and support pack to arrive (Stoptober packs will be dispatched nearer the time although you may get help giving up smoking throughout the year).
Sponsorship
For an added incentive to stay motivated and to go the full 28 days (and longer!) why not get involved in one of the may sponsorship opportunities that have arisen from the Stoptober event? Either join a local or national group or set up your own JustGiving page to collect sponsorship and donate to a charity of your choice.
