Support service launched to help smokers quit

Smokers in Windsor and Maidenhead now have access to support for free

A free service has been launched to help people quit smoking.

Smokefreelife Berkshire was commissioned by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) council, and started this month.

The service offers a range of support, from an app with self-help tools to nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum, and non-disposable e-cigarettes.

Residents of the borough can refer themselves or go via a healthcare professional, the council said.

Across the borough, 8.6% of adults are smokers, according to data from the Office of National Statistics.

Jonas Thompson-McCormick, RBWM's interim director of public health, said smoking increased a person's risk of stroke, dementia, heart disease and cancer, but that it was "never too late" to stop.

"Stopping will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you’ve smoked," he said.

"After one year, your risk of heart attack halves compared to a smoker's.

"After ten years, your risk of death from lung cancer falls by half.

"After 15, your risk of heart attack is the same as someone who's never smoked."

The service also has wellness coaches who are available to provide people with free expert advice to help them stop smoking.