START stopping next week as Southend Council go all out for the British Heart Foundation’s national No Smoking day.

On Wednesday, March 11, experts from the council’s Stop Smoking service will be in the foyer of Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, from 11.30am to 2pm, giving advice and support.

They will explain how they can help smokers tackle the temptations which stop them from quitting.

Ian Gilbert, Southend councillor for community development, said: “No Smoking Day gives a great opportunity for people to think about their smoking and what they would like to do about it.

“Around one in five adults in Southend smoke and we want to see as many smokers as possible make that positive health change.

“Many use this date as the start of a serious attempt to quit smoking, so we urge smokers to take advantage of the chance to speak with members of our Stop Smoking Service face to face.

“This makes it much easier to embark on the challenge of stopping smoking.

“Those who have the right support and medication are four times more likely to stop smoking.”

The Stop Smoking service is offered by the council free of charge and offers support which, when combined with the right medication, means smokers are four times more likely to stop for good.

Service manager Tony Mardle said: “Although this special national promotion is taking place on one day only, Our Stop Smoking Service is based here in the Civic Centre all year round and is a treatment service to help smokers become smoke free.

“The team can offer the right medication and can advise and support on lifestyle and behavioural changes to help people manage situations they associate with smoking.”

For more information text QUIT to 64446 or call 01702 212000.