Smokers take action

During a recent Health and Environmental Services Committee meeting, members heard that seven people chose to be referred to a local Smoking Cessation Services for support.

The report explained: ‘Wednesday 10th March was National No Smoking Day. Borough Services offered free advice and guidance to anyone trying to quit smoking. An information stand was organised to promote the health benefits of quitting smoking on No Smoking Day.

‘The information stand and ‘pop-up clinic’ was located at Tesco, Castle Street, Ballymoney. Smokers and non-smokers came along to have their blood pressure levels monitored by local Cardiac nurses from the Northern Health Board and received information on how to quit smoking or assist family members to stop.

‘The stand was very popular to all shoppers as no smoking day accessories were given out. As a result of the advice offered, seven people chose to be referred to local Smoking Cessation Services for support. In addition Council staff were offered assistance in quitting the habit. A short stop smoking advisory session was held on the 5th March where a small number of staff attended.’