Public Health Minister joins our call for people who smoke to ‘Quit and Win’ on No Smoking Day

13 March 2024

Scotland’s Public Health Minister is backing a national charity’s No Smoking Day campaign urging people across the country who smoke to reach out for free support to give up tobacco and win with their health and fitness, family and finances.

Jenni Minto MSP has voiced her support for health charity ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and win’ campaigning which is highlighting that giving up smoking increases opportunities to live a healthier life through halving the risk of developing lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, oesophagus and larynx cancer after five to 10 years of being tobacco-free.

The charity is also advising that an average smoker who gives up tobacco on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 13 March 2024) would save more than £3,000 within 12 months, money that could be better spent on a holiday or something special for themselves or their loved ones.

Jenni Minto MSP, Public Health Minister, said: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.

“I would encourage anyone who smokes tobacco to call the free NHS Quit Your Way stop-smoking service which offers personalised advice by phone and webchat. The trained advisers can also refer you to free local NHS services which are ready to help you stop smoking in a way that is right for you.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have the Public Health Minister’s support for our ‘Quit and win’ campaign on No Smoking Day.

“Tobacco is still the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland but people who smoke can have a brighter future by using the expert stop smoking support, such as that provided for free by the Quit Your Way Scotland service, which can increase the chances of successful quit smoking attempts by three to four times.”

“Two thirds of adults in Scotland who smoke say they wish they had never started and leaving tobacco behind will be the best thing they can do for their health, fitness, family and finances.

“So whether you’re trying to give up smoking for the first time or trying again, make a commitment to yourself and those you care about on No Smoking Day to contact Quit Your Way Scotland.”

Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact visit at QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.

For details about ASH Scotland’s No Smoking Day campaigning, click here and follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.