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Smokers urged to escape habit
A major campaign to help stop people smoking has been launched in Corby.
Postcards and posters with bright images of the town including information on stop smoking support will be distributed to children's centres and pubs and dropped through people's doors.
Advertising in taxis and at events will also point people to Corby Council's SWAP (Stop smoking, Weight management, Active lifestyles and Practical cooking) programme, doctors and Northamptonshire Stop Smoking Services.
The drive was launched in Corby town centre yesterday to coincide with national No Smoking Day.
It is estimated about 39.9 per cent of adults in Corby smoke.
Nicky Allan, from NHS Northamptonshire Provider Services, said: "There is a really high smoking prevalence in Corby.
"Because of this, health inequalities and life expectancy are issues in Corby.
"That's why we've put this programme together to improve health and wellbeing.
"We are getting the posters and postcards out to pubs, clubs and community centres.
"We've also designed a bingo card with the information for people to pick up at the bingo halls when it's the cigarette break.
"It's all about getting people to take different choices or at least to make informed decisions.
"Smokers are 40 per cent more likely to give up with support than by going it alone."
Shoppers were treated to a demonstration by Merlin, an escapologist who was a finalist on the TV show Britain's Got Talent.
He broke free from a water tank to start off the event at a marquee in Corporation Street and did another three performances throughout the
day.
Literature was available from the stall and health officers were on hand to answer questions about the town's stop smoking initiatives.
Smoker Catherine McLeod, 17, of Kingswood, dropped by the stall with her friends.
She said: "I would like to stop but I don't know many places I can go to help.
"I had readings taken and apparently I'm a heavy smoker. I think it's a good idea to have events like this."
Corby Council's stop smoking sessions are held every second Saturday until April 24 at Mr Pickford's Chemist in Spencer Court.
For information on how to give up, call the stop smoking services hotline on 0845 6013116.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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