By Urte Fultinaviciute
Islington Council is encouraging the community to take the first step toward a smoke-free life on 13th of March, the National No Smoking Day. Breathe, the Islington stop-smoking service, is offering local people face-to-face appointments or other support towards quitting the habit for good.
On Tuesday, 12th March between 2pm and 4.30pm at 39 Upper Street people who work, study or live in Islington Borough are welcome in Breathe mobile van.
On Wednesday, 13th of March, drop-in sessions will be held at 382 Holloway Road or on Friday, 15th March in Arsenal Hub, 56 Benwell Road, 1.30-4.30pm.
Photo: Urte Fultinaviciute
Sales worker Linda Hayes, 33, switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes a year ago because her partner is a non-smoker and the smell of her fags was a big issue. “It was hard getting used to the vape but I am really happy and proud that I made this change,” she said. “It is amazing that they [Breathe] are helping people to quit smoking. I hope more people will make this change,” she added.
Waiter Hugh Lincoln, 25, chose a more recent invention: IQOS. IQOS is a device which heats tobacco instead of burning it, which gives out less tar.
Lincoln switched to this device few months ago but could not give up normal cigarettes. “It was really hard to get rid of this habit but it a lot of patience and strength I use only IQOS. It’s a better smoking alternative but I am still keen on quitting completely,” he added.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death and 576 estimated deaths per 100,000 residents were caused by smoking in Islington Borough in 2015-2017, according to Public Health England (PHE). There are currently 37,000 active smokers in Islington, 149 of them are pregnant women who smoke up until the time of the delivery.
More information and help can be found on the Breathe website. People can calculate how much they spent on tobacco products, how smoking affects them and their surroundings, and find the best way to get rid of this harmful habit. People can also call 0520 3633 2609 to talk to an advisor or text QUIT to 667777 to access free service and support.
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