The joint campaign encourages Suffolk residents to consider quitting, while raising awareness of the increased risk of accidental fires caused by smoking materials such as cigarettes and matches.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of fatal house fires in the UK. Fires started by smoking materials are more likely to result in serious injury or death than other types of home fires. Cigarettes are designed to stay lit, meaning they can easily ignite furniture, bedding or other flammable items if dropped or left unattended.
By combining stop smoking support with vital fire safety messaging, Feel Good Suffolk and SFRS are working together to help residents protect both their wellbeing and their homes.
Feel Good Suffolk offers free, personalised stop smoking support to people across the county. Those who use expert help are up to three times more likely to quit successfully, with access to trained advisors and free stop smoking products, including nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and vape starter kits for up to 12 weeks.
Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection, said:
“Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but it is also a major step towards keeping your home and family safe. This partnership between Feel Good Suffolk and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service highlights both the wellbeing and fire safety risks linked to smoking in the home. By quitting, residents are protecting their future in more ways than one.”
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service provide practical advice for anyone who smokes, including steps to reduce the risk of fire at home. More information can be found at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/smoking-safety
Across Suffolk today, there are free drop-in sessions and stalls at markets to mark national No Smoking Day including Ipswich Cornhill, Red Gables in Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds Cornhill. For more details visit www.feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk/stop-smoking-2/nosmokingday
If you smoke and live in Suffolk, now is a great time to think about stopping. Feel Good Suffolk is here to support you with free, friendly and personalised help.
Self-refer today at: https://feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk/make-a-referral/
