Roadshow takes quit campaign to smokers

The Smokefree May Quit Smoking Road Show coaches stopped at Cameron St Mall, Whangarei. The first day was very successful for the team with 82 smokers given brief advice and 31 of those signing up for support.

A smokefree roadshow has hit the road to help Northlanders quit smoking.

The Smokefree May Quit Smoking Roadshow coaches took to the road on Monday with the first stop in Cameron St Mall, Whangarei.

Northland District Health Board Hospital Smokefree facilitator Jan Marshall said the first day was very successful with 82 smokers given brief advice and 31 of those signing with the Ngati Hine Aukati Kaipaipa team.

"We find that it works to take the support to the community, where people are. They don't always seek out help, even if they have decided to quit. The response is very positive, it's surprising how many people are ready to stop smoking and are open to receiving support," Ms Marshall said.

"Many have already tried to stop and the team offers additional support and access to NRT products that smokers may not have tried. We are able to explain how to use the products correctly or prompt people to have another go at quitting."

The Quit Road Show will be in seven towns, finishing in Kaitaia - the day before World Smokefree Day on May 31.

The Road Show is a combined effort of the Patu Puauahi group, made up of Aukati Kaipaipa, smoking cessation and Smokefree providers from throughout Te Tai Tokerau, and is aimed at getting more smokers to quit and setting them up with the right support.

Ms Marshall said on Monday the team was approached by a couple who said that, just the day before, they had been talking seriously about quitting smoking. "When they came across the quit stall, they saw it as a positive sign and immediately enrolled for support," she said.

The Roadshow will be at Rawene's old post office and Kohu Ra car park today; Dargaville's Warehouse/Countdown car park on May 15; Kawakawa's Main St outside the post office on May 20; Kaikohe, outside The Warehouse and Countdown on May 21; Kaeo's Union Church Hall on May 23 and Kaitaia's old Pak n' Save car park on May 30.