SMOKERS in the Borders are being urged to take the first step in giving up cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day which takes place on Wednesday, March 11.

According to Ash Scotland, studies show that two-thirds of UK smokers want to quit, however nearly one in five UK adults continue to smoke. The rate in the Borders is slightly higher than the UK average, with 22% of adults smoking.

Stop smoking support in the Borders is provided by Quit4Good, a team of specialist stop smoking advisors and community pharmacists. They offer valuable support and encouragement to those wishing to stop smoking.

Quit4Good also provides advice and information on how to prepare to quit, the right nicotine replacement therapy, how to help beat cravings and how to improve quality of life.

This year’s No Smoking Day theme is ‘proud to be a quitter. In life we are told never to give up, to keep going – but when it comes to smoking, being a ‘Quitter’ is a good thing.

The annual campaign is run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and encourages hundreds of thousands of smokers to make a quit attempt on No Smoking Day.

Dr Eric Baijal, Joint Director of Public Health, NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council said: “We understand that some smokers do want to stop smoking, but many find the task too daunting. No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire smokers in the Borders to quit for good.

“With support, smokers are more likely to succeed in their quit attempt and that is why our smoking cessation advisors will be in the Borders General Hospital foyer on Wednesday 11th March providing advice and information on the range of local services and resources available to help them give up smoking for good.” The Quit4Good stop smoking advisors can offer tailored advice to everyone who is looking to stop smoking. This advice is available in various locations in the Borders including Selkirk, Innerleithen, Galashiels, Jedburgh, Duns, Kelso, Eyemouth and Hawick.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, and that’s why the British Heart Foundation runs No Smoking Day. We’re encouraging smokers to mark Wednesday 11 March in their calendars and take the first step towards a smoke-free life.” If you would like support to stop smoking or would like more information on the NHS Borders Quit4Good Service contact 01835 825971 or email smokingcessation@borders.scot.nhs.uk.