A leading North East health organisation has urged smokers to quit - and reminded them that doing so could "feel like an instant pay rise".
Coming amid a cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation, regional tobacco-control organisation Fresh has highlighted how ditching the cigarettes will improve both your finances and your health. Fresh has previously highlighted the connection between smoking and poverty - more than four in ten households with smokers in our region live in poverty - and now bosses hope that making vital savings could be the motivation smokers need to quit for good.
According to the organisation's analysis, a smoker who goes through 10 cigarettes a day will be spending up £1,642 a year. The organisation wants people to use the idea of what else that money could be spent on - it works out at £31 a week - to motivate them to quit. Fresh is also keen to point out how quitting will benefit your health and reduce stress and anxiety long-term.
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Ailsa Rutter, director at Fresh said: "Smoking is a massive drain on the finances of many families across the North East. Day by day, and week by week, it is frightening to think how these costs mount up. Quitting smoking can feel like an instant pay rise and create a bit of financial peace of mind, but also means you can enjoy a few luxuries for you and the family.
"We know most smokers want to stop but it can be tough. A big motivation to give it another go is around the costs and what you can save by quitting – whether that is towards the weekly shops, or taking the kids out on day trips, new clothes, presents for the kids or even paying towards life’s necessities like power and food, quitting smoking means you will save that money and ease some of your worries."
Ms Rutter - who has previously led calls for the Government to raise the legal age at which you can buy cigarettes to 21 - added that it was important to recognise that it was not as easy as just deciding to ditch smoking. She said: "Many people are struggling financially but we have to remember smoking is an addiction that usually starts in childhood and most people who smoke would like to be able to quit.
"Meanwhile tobacco companies are profiting from addiction. It is time big tobacco is made to pay a levy towards prevention and supporting people to quit."
As part of the support available to help people in our region to quit smoking, if you live in the North East and North Cumbria you can sign up for free support from the Smoke Free app - which can be downloaded at getmesmokefree.com.
Fresh have also released a series of ten top tips to help people quit - this include: Remembering that sometimes people are able to quit without planning to; that changing your routine can reduce the temptation to smoke, and that making a list of reasons to quit can boost motivation.
The organisation also recommends asking friends and family for support, being aware of the help available from local Stop Smoking Services, and considering E-cigarettes.
Have you saved money by quitting smoking? Let us know in the comments below
