Swap 2 Stop is a new nationwide campaign, being offered by the York Health Trainers, which is aimed at encouraging smokers to make the switch from smoking to vaping to improve their health.
Smokers are addicted to nicotine, not tobacco. It’s the tar and toxic chemicals produced in tobacco smoke that kill, so switching from smoking to vaping is a positive health move.
York residents, who are smokers, aged 18 years and over can now get free personal, confidential support alongside free vapes or nicotine replacement products for 4 weeks, or up to 10 weeks if they join the main smoking behaviour change programme.
By self-referring online or by calling the team, residents will be able to gain access to full smoking support with an appointment with a Health Trainer.
Or alternatively, residents can access the Swap 2 Stop Vape offer, which is a free, 4 week vape starter kit that will be posted out to them.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “Stopping smoking completely and for good is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. It lowers your risk of getting cancer and other illnesses, saves you money and stops the harm caused to those around you from passive smoke.
“Stopping smoking at any age can lengthen and improve your quality of life, even if you have a smoking-related illness. Stopping smoking is difficult, but by switching to vaping with the help of our Health Trainers, it can help you quit smoking forever.”
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health, at City of York Council, said: “Swap2Stop is about encouraging smokers to make the switch to vapes. One of the reasons we’re supporting this national scheme is that smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer. It causes more than 16 different types of cancer. There’s also great savings to be made and if you smoke 20 a day, you could save around £2,500 a year.
“As the director of public health, I’m very clear that this scheme is for over 18 year olds and that we need to protect young people from using vapes. This scheme is about helping people quit smoking and they’re not for teenagers or young people. Through schools, we’re offering lots of help and support to help teens quit vaping.”
Kevin Spencer gave up smoking after 50 years by switching to vapes, with the support of health trainer Fiona Lambeth.
At his first appointment, Fiona explained the effect smoking was having on his body, and he did a simple breath test that showed the amount of carbon monoxide in his blood. She then talked through the different nicotine therapy options on offer.
Kevin said: “She gave me the option of using them all, and I used the patch for a couple of days, but the vape is the one I’ve taken to, it’s really good. I received all the equipment on the Saturday morning, and by Saturday dinner time I’d stopped smoking! I’ve never looked back and never had a cigarette since.
“Fiona was absolutely fantastic, she was understanding, she knew exactly what was needed, she kept in touch to ask how I was doing – it’s a brilliant service.”
There’s also a whole host of support and advice for people thinking about quitting smoking for good, including step-by-step videos at www.york.gov.uk/CYCHealthTrainers to help them on their quitting journey. Or for more help, call 01904 553377 today!
