Stoptober is back again for 2020! Backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, Stoptober is a 28-day challenge aimed at encouraging the nation’s 8 million smokers to give up for the month of October and beyond. As with previous Stoptober campaigns, this year’s movement is based on the evidence that if a person can quit smoking for 28 days, they are five times more likely to give up smoking for good.

We all know by now that quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your health, but it’s certainly easier said than done. That’s why the NHS are on hand to provide you with support to change your lifestyle and give up smoking for good. It’s never too late to try!

While some people can quit smoking from sheer will power alone, it can be much easier with the right support. The NHS are on hand to provide multiple support options, covering everything from personal quit plans to local Stop Smoking Services.

You can also download the free NHS Stoptober app to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier. You can track your progress, see how much money you’re saving, and gain access to day to day support as you continue your smoke-free journey.

This year’s Stoptober also works alongside the NHS Better Health campaign, a national adult movement that aims to promote healthier, happier lifestyles in the wake of COVID-19. There’s never been a better time to reflect on our health and creative positive lifestyle changes.

Scott Crosby, the tobacco control programme manager at Public Health England, shares his thoughts on this year’s campaign:

 “Stoptober is back in its ninth year and it’s a little bit different because of the pandemic. We’re really looking to raise awareness of the damage to the airways.

We’ve got a viral respiratory disease at the moment and what you can do to help protect your health and boost your immune system is to quit. That’s the biggest thing you can do.”

It’s something we also take very seriously here at the Unsung Hero Awards- not only are we making changes to our own lifestyles, we’re also focusing on being active in the office with our relaunch of the 10at10 campaign. This program promotes 10 minutes of exercise at 10am, helping employees maintain physical health in workplace environments. Keep us updated on your progress by using the hashtag #10at10 across social media!

For an added incentive to stay motivated this Stoptober, you can also get involved with a sponsorship opportunity to keep yourself motivated. There are plenty of local and national groups to choose from, and you can even set up your own JustGiving page to collect sponsorship and donate to a charity of your choice.

So if you’re looking to quit smoking for 28 days or give up for good, there’s plenty of incentives and resources that can support you this Stoptober!