Sheffield smokers invited to FIRE WALK for National No Smoking Day
NHS Sheffield’s Stop Smoking Service is taking an innovative approach to helping smokers in the city as they join millions of UK smokers to quit smoking on National No Smoking Day this 11th of March.
This year’s theme, take the first step, acknowledges that for people who decide to give up smoking on National No Smoking Day the date will be the first step towards a healthier future. Sheffield’s Stop Smoking Service is inviting quitters to take their first step by taking part in a ‘fire walk’ to mark the occasion.
Claire Holden, NHS Sheffield’s Stop Smoking Service Manager said: “A fire walk seemed like a natural fit to this year’s theme of taking the first step on National No Smoking Day.
“In order to walk across burning hot coals, individuals are first given a motivational lesson to enable them to gain a sense of focus, strength and determination – all the elements needed to help quit smoking.
“Taking part in the fire walk will help people who want to quit smoking see that every obstacle can be overcome and every challenge has a solution.”
The fire walk will take place at Barker’s Pool in the city centre on March 11th at 12.30.
Smokers wishing to quit who would like to take the first step this year on National No Smoking Day and who would like to take part in the firewalk should call NHS Sheffield’s Emma Bodley on 0114 3051083.
NHS Sheffield will also be hosting stalls around the city centre on National No Smoking Day to talk to people who would like to quit smoking and offer free information and advice, as well as the opportunity to test the levels of harmful carbon monoxide in their bodies.
Sheila Paul, Consultant in Public Health said: “We estimate that over 100,000 adults in Sheffield smoke and research has shown that over 70% of them would like to stop. National No Smoking Day has always provided a focus to help smokers quit – but it is not only about making the first step, which is why Sheffield’s Stop Smoking Service offers advice and support in quitting and beyond.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the fire walk on National No Smoking Day should contact NHS Sheffield’s Emma Bodley on 0114 305 1083.
Smokers who would like to give up smoking can contact the NHS Stop Smoking Service 24 hours a day on free phone 0800 068 4490 for help and support.
