A DISTRICT initiative to help people stop smoking has been expanded.

Living Well is now offering support through some GP practices and pharmacies, in addition to direct assistance.

The team provides free, personal backing and guidance.

Expert advisors help people determine the best methods for trying to quit smoking for good and how to manage cravings, including using treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy.

Living Well has pledged its support to Stoptober – the annual ‘quit smoking’ campaign led by Public Health England – and stresses to smokers that it is “never too late” to try giving-up.

Its services are available to over-18s across the Bradford district.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: “We are really pleased that we can now offer our stop-smoking service to more people locally through their pharmacy or GP, as well as directly from our team.

“Although lots of smokers have probably tried stopping smoking before, we’re urging them not to give-up on quitting.

“Getting the right support is proven to make the difference and this service can really help people to quit with tailored help.”

Research has shown that if smokers make it to 28 days smoke-free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

More than half of smokers revealed they want to quit and three-quarters said they would never have started smoking if they could go back in time.

For further information about Living Well and details of which GP practices and pharmacies it is available through, visit mylivingwell.co.uk/smoking/support-to-quit. Alternatively, contact Living Well advisors directly on 01274 437700.

As part of Stoptober, which runs throughout this month, people can download the NHS Quit Smoking app. It enables people to get daily support, track their progress and see how much they’re saving.

A Stoptober spokesperson said: “Giving-up smoking is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your health.

“There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately.”

For further information about the campaign can be accessed via nhs.uk/stoptober/nhs.