The Healthier Communities Team at Amber Valley Borough Council, in partnership with the Derbyshire NHS Stop Smoking Service and Derbyshire Action on Smoking, visited various sites in Alfreton and Somercotes to promote the benefits of going smokefree. Information was on display about the support available for individuals to quit smoking, and on how the smokefree legislation will affect both staff and employers.
The Roadshow stopped off at Cotes Park Lane, McDonalds and Tescos to allow individuals and businesses to access information. The Roadshow was well received, with around 150 people visiting the Roadshow throughout the day.
Annette Fleet, the Healthier Communities Project Worker explains “No Smoking Day can be a trigger point for smokers who want to start a new, healthier lifestyle, free from smoking. Last year, around 1.3 million smokers used the day to make a quit attempt”. She added “With the introduction of smokefree legislation on 1st July, more smokers than ever before are thinking about quitting.”
One local company has already enjoyed the benefits of going smokefree early. Sercel England first introduced restrictions in 1994, with the company going completely smokefree in November 2006. This has meant that both staff and customers have been able to adapt to going smokefree gradually, without a sudden change from smoking everywhere to a complete ban. The company have noticed several advantages to restricting smoking in the workplace. Doug McConnachie, the Managing Director, believes the working environment has improved. He explains, “Over the years we’ve noticed a reduction in litter – no tab ends or cigarette boxes. The residual smoking smell has reduced”.
Doug has also found there are financial benefits to restricting smoking in the workplace. “We’ve reduced our fire risks. Our insurance costs have reduced. Also, production times have improved, as smoking is limited to break times. Some people have stopped smoking completely because of the restrictions”.
For further information about quitting smoking, you can contact your local NHS Stop Smoking Service on 01773 525012. For advice on becoming compliant with the smokefree legislation, please call the Derbyshire Action on Smoking on 01246 514347.
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News release issued by the Council’s Policy and Change Unit (01773 841655)
