New mobile stop smoking clinic launched

(left to right) Liz Carter, Mid Sussex Wellbeing Hub Manager, Lesley Berry, Service Manager at Solutions 4 Health, Christine Field, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Richard Sargeant, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, Janice Hoiles, Adur and Worthing Wellbeing Hub Manager and Vila Vasoodaven of West Sussex County Council's Public Health team (picture submitted)

The county’s first mobile stop smoking clinic was unveiled yesterday (Monday September 8).

Visitors to the mobile clinic can hop on board to get a variety of information including support available in the county to quit smoking.

The mobile clinic is part of a plan to help people quit and have fewer people smoking in West Sussex. It was launched ahead of next month’s Stoptober, the annual national ‘mass quit’ attempt.

From now to the end of October the Smokefree West Sussex Partnership have many activities planned including local roadshows that will bring the mobile clinic into the heart of each district and borough in West Sussex. The Partnership is an alliance of organisations working to reduce smoking in West Sussex and today have also released further plans for a smokefree West Sussex.

The plan is aimed at raising awareness about the consequences of smoking as well as working towards fewer people smoking in the county. It includes many actions that local organisations can take including implementing smokefree policies in workplaces and free training for staff in front line roles.

Christine Field, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “The dangers of smoking are well-documented, as are the benefits of quitting, but it is often overlooked how difficult it can be for smokers to give up.

“We want to send the message to the smokers of West Sussex that with the new mobile clinic we are making it easier for them to access stop smoking services. Also with support from a professional smoking advisor they can access a service that caters for different people’s needs and really make a difference to help people improve their health.”

Lesley Berry, Stop Smoking Services Manager, Smokefree West Sussex said: “We are excited about the launch of the mobile stop smoking clinic as this will help us to take support into the heart of the community and make the service accessible to all, particularly for smokers in hard to reach areas.”

To find out when the mobile clinic is in your area or if you would like some advice about quitting smoking call 0300 100 1823 or visit www.smokefreewestsussex.co.uk