No smoking day 2011 - what's the campaign about?

Helping a man stop smoking after 43 years and supporting a woman to quit cigarettes following 15 previous relapses are just the two examples where a local pharmacist made the difference of a life time. No Smoking Day is one of the traditional peaks for a smoking quit attempt. The theme of “No Smoking Day” 2011 which takes place on 9 March is “Is it time to Quit”? We can help”.

The RPS will run a campaign to raise public awareness that pharmacists are on the front line for providing expert advice and support to help people in their endeavour to stop smoking.

Stopping Smoking requires commitment and planning and pharmacists are ideally placed to offer advice and information about the support available. Pharmacists are among the most accessible of healthcare professionals with branches open in the high street at convenient times.

Smoking cessation is the most common service provided by pharmacies in UK and many will stock the quitting aids available. You can obtain information on the benefits of stopping smoking and further advice from your local pharmacy.