A significant Liverpool landmark is gearing up to deliver a compelling message to smokers to consider quitting this ‘No Smoking Day,’ which falls on Wednesday, March 12th. St John’s Beacon will be the focal point, illuminated and transformed into a visual display that highlights the advantages of abstaining from smoking and encourages positive changes throughout the city. The beacon will showcase an animated image of a burning cigarette gradually fading away to reveal a sequence of impactful health messages representing the journey towards a smoke-free lifestyle.
In Liverpool, smoking remains the primary cause of preventable death and illness. Shockingly, two out of three smokers will succumb to a smoking-related disease, with many others experiencing severe conditions like heart disease, strokes, cancer, dementia, and lung disorders. Smoking also plays a significant role in perpetuating health disparities within the city. To complement the lighting of St John’s Beacon, a drop-in event at St John’s Shopping Centre will be open to individuals seeking assistance in quitting smoking. Representatives from Healthwatch will be present to offer resources, advice, and guidance to available support services. This initiative is part of a wider collaboration among local organizations to ensure that all individuals desiring to quit smoking have access to the necessary support.
This impactful presentation, developed in partnership with health and business collaborators from Cheshire and Merseyside, aims to motivate people to embark on a healthier path. In line with this goal, close cooperation with various stakeholders, including Smokefree Liverpool, is in place to provide local services aiding those looking to quit smoking. Susan Howard, who successfully quit smoking with the guidance of Smokefree Liverpool, shared her positive experience. She stressed the crucial support provided by Smokefree Liverpool, highlighting improvements in her health and significant financial savings. Quoting Susan, “My health is better, and I have saved a lot of money.”
Councillor Harry Doyle, serving as the Cabinet Member for Health and Culture, emphasized the significance of quitting smoking for one’s health and encouraged individuals to take advantage of No Smoking Day to initiate this positive change. Matt Ashton, the Director of Public Health for Liverpool, pointed out the detrimental impact of smoking on public health in the city. Partnering with local entities, efforts are underway to ensure that individuals in Liverpool seeking to quit smoking have access to the appropriate support services, facilitating a smoother and more successful transition to a smoke-free life
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
