The country’s newest professional basketball team are helping smokers kick the habit.
The Durham Wildcats are joining the County Durham Tobacco Control Alliance in supporting national No Smoking Day on Wednesday (March 14), the theme of which is ‘take the leap’.
Dave Elderkin, Wildcats head coach, said: “Every time the Wildcats take to the basketball court they leap to score points but this week they are encouraging other people to take the leap to a healthier lifestyle.
“As professional sportsmen, the Wildcats are very much aware of the health risks associated with smoking so are very keen to show their support for No Smoking Day.”
The County Durham and Darlington NHS Stop Smoking Service provides advice, support and encouragement to people who want to quit.
The service, which is completely free of charge, has helped more than 50,000 County Durham residents stop smoking.
It offers one-to-one, group and drop-in sessions in community centres, libraries, pharmacies, GP surgeries, health clinics and many other venues across County Durham.
People who seek help through the Stop Smoking Service are four times more likely to succeed in stopping smoking that people who do not.
Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for safer and healthier communities, said: “No Smoking Day is a great opportunity to start your leap to becoming a non-smoker.
“The best way forward is to make contact with your local Stop Smoking Service in County Durham, for more choices, more flexibility and more ways to stop.”
To find out about routes to quit contact County Durham and Darlington NHS Stop Smoking Service on 0800 0113 405.