Smokers in Portsmouth urged to use service to quit as research shows they are at risk from Covid-19

SMOKERS in Portsmouth are being urged to take advantage of a service to help them quit after research showed they are more than twice as likely to get critically ill or die from coronavirus.
In March and April this year 151 people in Portsmouth quit smoking through the wellbeing service.In March and April this year 151 people in Portsmouth quit smoking through the wellbeing service.
In March and April this year 151 people in Portsmouth quit smoking through the wellbeing service.

The Portsmouth Wellbeing Service, run by the city council, is still operating over the phone with support available to those wanting to give up smoking, lose weight or reduce their alcohol intake.

In March and April this year a total of 230 residents have been referred to the service to quit smoking and 151 of them have successfully given up.

Read More
Coronavirus deaths at QA rise to 199
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Matthew Winnington, Portsmouth City Council's health and wellbeing boss, hoped people would make the most of the service. He said: 'While coronavirus is clearly something we wish hadn’t happened it's resulted in some heartening changes, including bringing communities closer together and driving people to want to quit smoking.

'We know that giving up smoking is one of the single best things you can do for your health regardless of coronavirus so I wish those looking to quit the best of luck.

'You’re four times more likely to quit with support so turning to the brilliant city council wellbeing service is a great way to set yourself up for success.

'Many people are also using the time they've found themselves with during lockdown as an opportunity to tackle some other unhealthy behaviours such as their poor diet or lack of exercise. The wellbeing service is ready and willing on the phone to support anyone looking to become healthier.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It comes as research by the medical journal Tobacco Induced Diseases suggested smokers are approximately 2.5 times as likely to need treatment in an intensive care unit or to die from Covid-19.

The wellbeing service is currently supporting 250 Portsmouth residents to improve their health in different ways and to adhere to social distancing guidance they’re offering advice and support over the phone rather than in person.

For those looking to quit smoking, the service can still facilitate access to medication such as nicotine replacement therapies and Champix.

You can contact the service directly on 023 9229 4001 or by emailing [email protected].

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.