Free support for smokers

It's nearly Stoptober - and health professionals in Whanganui have joined forces to stub out the habit.

Local stop-smoking service providers Aukati Kaipaipa and the Quit Clinic have joined together as Nga Taura Tuhono, the new regional organisation offering free face-to-face support for local smokers wanting to quit.

Whanganui District Health Board tobacco control health promoter Sarah Hawken said the decision to establish the new service was "an exciting opportunity to increase awareness of the support that's available to smokers living in the district.

"That this coincides with the national Stoptober campaign during the month of October is ideal," Ms Hawken said.

"Stoptober offers extra incentives for those who sign up online.

"I encourage people to take this opportunity to make positive change in their lives and the lives of their whanau," she said.

Online enrolments are now open for Stoptober.
Smokers can choose a range of options for ongoing support to kick the habit, including a direct referral to the new local service.

For more information, visit www.stoptober.nz.
Ms Hawken said smokers wanting to become smokefree also had the option of dropping into the local service's two Whanganui city sites.

One is located at Te Oranganui in Campbell St, and another on the corner of Ingestre and Wicksteed Sts.

The service also has clinics in Marton, at Waimarino Health Ltd, and Taihape Health. For more information call 0800 200 249.