Today is National No Smoking Day

Today, Wednesday 5^th March, is National No Smoking Day, and HSE is urging the thousands of smokers who will try to quit smoking this week to use the range of free support services that can double their chances of succeeding. The HSE's QUITline Service is moving to a new Freephone number 1800 201 203 from today and there are a range of other supports available on www.quit.ie.  
 
As part of the HSE’s QUIT campaign, two new TV adverts, featuring the late Gerry Collins, from Greystones, Co Wicklow and his family will be aired today.  Gerry’s new ads tell more of his story and his thoughts about smoking and his terminal illness. Through the series of QUIT ads, Gerry and his family have generously shared their experience, of Gerry’s battle with terminal lung cancer, in the hope of inspiring other people to quit smoking and to help others avoid the pain of illness and bereavement as a result of smoking.  
 
You can see all three of Gerry and the Collins’ family adverts on www.youtube.com/HSEireland. There has been an overwhelming response from smokers and quitters to Gerry’s courage and inspiration in sharing his story.  Using the numbers of people signing up to online QUITplans since the first ad aired in January, we estimate that over 60,000 people in Ireland have made quit attempts this year, thanks to Gerry.  
 
Gerry’s QUIT campaign adverts were created on the shared understanding with Gerry and his family that they would continue to be used after Gerry’s death. The two new ads are being aired this week, as planned, and in accordance with the Collin’s family and Gerry’s wishes.
 
Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, National Director, Health & Wellbeing said ‘Quitting smoking is the best thing that you can do for your health, and if you use one the range of support services available, you can as much as double your chances of your quit attempt succeeding. Also, if you’ve tried before and it didn’t work, remember most smokers make several attempts before quitting for good. The trick is to keep on trying, because the change you can bring about in your health and your life is worth it.’  
 
The HSE's QUITline Service is moving to a new Freephone number 1800 201 203 today. This means that smokers in need of help and support to quit can call free of charge on 1800 201 203.  The QUITline is provided on the HSE's behalf by the Irish Cancer Society and gives professional counselling support to smokers on their quit journey.
 
This is the first time the national smokers Quitline service will be free of charge, and it is hoped that the removal of any cost will encourage smokers to call for support. The HSE and the Irish Cancer Society aim to ensure that our evidence-based support services are available to as many potential quitters as possible.  The previous LoCall number for the Quitline, will continue to operate as usual until the end of June.
 
If you smoke, remember you can QUIT and we can help;
 
Visit www.quit.ie and sign up for an online QUIT plan
Call the QUITline 1800 201 203
Join the Facebook support group www.facebook.com/HSEquit
Contact your local HSE smoking cessation service via QUIT.ie
Talk to your GP or pharmacist for help, and also supports and medications