Smokers in Northumberland are being urged to take the first step in giving up cigarettes for good on World No Tobacco Day, which takes place on 31 May. 
 

Although smoking rates in Northumberland are amongst some of the lowest in the North East, there is still some way to go before the county is smoke free. 
 

This year’s theme for the World Health Organisation (WHO) World No Tobacco Day is ‘Tobacco: Threat to our environment.’ 
 

The campaign aims to raise awareness among the public on the environmental impact of tobacco – from cultivation, production, distribution and waste. It will give tobacco users one extra reason to quit.   
 

Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council, said: “We know stopping smoking can be extremely difficult. The first day without cigarettes is often the hardest - but free stop smoking services are available in Northumberland. A wide range of advice and support is available right across the county to help people quit smoking. 
 

“This World No Tobacco Day is the perfect opportunity to make that first step, and quitting will help to improve your health as well as the environment. 
 

“Our trained advisors work together with the patient to develop an individual treatment programme which includes medication to deal with cravings, withdrawal along with behaviour change.” 
 

Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer and is known to cause at least 15 different cancer types.     
 

Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adult wellbeing said: “It's never too late to quit. I would encourage people to take advantage of the range of free support available to them in Northumberland.  
 

“It can be a big step to give up smoking, but with specialist support you are three times more likely to succeed. “ 
 

To contact Northumberland’s Stop Smoking Service call 01670 813135 (Open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am – 4pm on Friday). 

Face to face clinics are available in a range of venues including GP practices, pharmacies and community centres.  Telephone support is also available.