The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on people who smoke to use Stoptober as the moment they stop for good, accessing free help available across Northern Ireland.

Stoptober, the UK's largest quit-smoking campaign, offers the chance to join thousands of others taking a positive step for their health. Evidence indicates that stopping for 28 days greatly increases the likelihood of quitting permanently.

Across Northern Ireland there are over 500 free, PHA-funded Stop Smoking Services in community pharmacies, GP practices, health trusts and community settings, providing support at every stage of a quit attempt.

Doreen Regan, Health Improvement Officer with the PHA, said: "Stoptober is a great opportunity to take the first step towards becoming smoke free. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, whatever your age and however long you have smoked.

"While stopping smoking can be challenging, you don't have to do it alone. Support is available in communities right across Northern Ireland, and people who use stop smoking services are much more likely to quit successfully than those who go it alone."

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of ill-health and early death in Northern Ireland, contributing to more than 2,000 deaths each year and adding substantial pressure on health services.

Doreen continued: "Every cigarette damages health and every quit attempt matters. Many people make several attempts before they quit for good, so if you've tried before, don't be discouraged. Each attempt helps you learn what works for you and brings you closer to becoming smoke free. "This year's Stoptober message is simple: let's quit smoking together. Whether that's with support from a stop smoking advisor, encouragement from friends and family, or by quitting alongside someone you know, having support can make a real difference."

The PHA is also drawing attention to the Tobacco and Vapes Act (TAVA), designed to protect children and young people from the harms of nicotine addiction and help build a smoke-free generation. The legislation is described as a landmark public health initiative that will reduce the number of young people who start smoking.

Doreen added: "The Tobacco and Vapes Act is an important step towards a healthier future for our children and young people. However, it is equally important that we continue to support people who currently smoke.

"By quitting today, you can improve your health, save money, protect those around you from second-hand smoke and set a positive example for the next generation."

Top tips to boost your chances of success:

- Choose a quit date and commit to it.

- Prepare for cravings and plan how you'll cope.

- Use stop smoking support and, if suitable, stop-smoking medications.

- Tell friends and family you're quitting and ask for their backing.

- Keep busy and break habits linked to smoking.

- Remind yourself of the gains: better health, wellbeing and money saved.

Last year, more than 9,500 people set a quit date through PHA-funded Stop Smoking Services, and almost six in ten reported being smoke free four weeks later.

Doreen concluded: "There has never been a better time to quit. This Stoptober, take the first step and remember that support is available every step of the way. A smoke-free future starts with day one."

For details of free stop smoking support, visit www.stopsmokingni.info

For information on the Tobacco and Vapes Act, see the Department of Health news release: www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-nesbitt-welcomes-landmark-tobacco-and-vapes-act