No Smoking Day takes place across the UK this Wednesday (12 March 2014) and Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths is hoping it inspires people from Wrexham to quit smoking for good.
The movement is one of the UK’s biggest annual health awareness campaigns and every year over a million smokers will use No Smoking Day to try and kick the habit.
The British Heart Foundation runs the campaign and aims to create a supportive environment in order to help those individuals who want to quit smoking. It also highlights the many sources of help and advice available.
No Smoking Day has been annually raising health awareness since 1983 and has helped over 1.5 million smokers quit for good.
Smoking is the greatest preventable cause of illness, disability and premature death in Wales, accounting for over 5,600 fatalities every year.
The Welsh Government is committed to addressing smoking issues and the risks it has on general public health.
In February 2012, a ban came into force on the sale of tobacco from vending machines. Later that year, large stores and supermarkets were banned from openly displaying tobacco products at point of sale and by 2015, this legislation will extend to all licenced premises across Wales.
Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said:
“Everyone is well aware of the health risks associated with smoking.”
“Rather than harass or force people to quit, the main focus of No Smoking Day is to provide the opportunity and offer support to the majority of individuals who want to kick the habit.”
“I hope the event will raise public awareness throughout Wrexham and can provide the catalyst for people in the town to quit smoking once and for all.”
