Wednesday 8^th March is No Smoking Day 2023, and Martin Whitfield MSP is supporting this year’s theme, ‘Quit and Win’.

No Smoking Day is an annual campaign to celebrate the achievements of those who have successfully quit smoking. Additionally, it encourages people who currently smoke to consider quitting for the benefit of their health, finances and wellbeing.

Anti-smoking charity, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland, is encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to contact Quit Your Way Scotland cessation services.

This year’s ‘Quit and Win’ message aims to raise awareness of the various benefits people can attain by quitting smoking.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“We know that the harm caused by tobacco use has the greatest impact on disadvantaged groups. The overall prevalence of smoking has steadily decreased over recent decades. However, it remains stubbornly high in some of our most deprived areas.

“Encouraging more people to quit is a key element of helping reduce poverty and tackle health inequalities. That’s why I welcome ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ message for this year’s No Smoking Day.

“The best way to convince people to stop smoking is by highlighting the many positive benefits of quitting – for their families, their health and wellbeing and on their finances – and that is exactly what the campaign is doing.

“Anyone looking for specialist support with quitting should call 0800 848484 or visit www.quityourway.scot for more information.”

Alan Dalziel, ASH Scotland’s Senior Manager for Policy, said:

“We are delighted to have Martin Whitfield MSP’s support for our ‘Quit and Win’ campaign on No Smoking Day.

“Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities and it is more important than ever that people in South Scotland facing everyday stresses during the cost of living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS.

“Using Quit Your Way services can have huge positive impacts on quit smoking attempts and will significantly boost people’s health and finances when they succeed.”

Find out more about No Smoking Day and ASH Scotland’s work at www.ashscotland.org.uk.