An innovative free Quit Kit which gives smokers the right tools to successfully stop smoking has now been launched, as new research shows that almost half of smokers (44%) in the East of England have resolved to quit this year.

The NHS Stop Smoking Quit Kit, which has been designed by experts and smokers, contains calming audio downloads, a stress toy and a tool to help smokers work out how much money they are saving by quitting.

When asked what would help them to quit:

• nearly half (44%) of smokers across the region wanted help to manage cravings;
• one third of smokers wanted tools and advice to strengthen willpower;
• nearly a third (30%) simply want something to do with their hands; and
• nicotine gum and patches were the most popular aids to quitting, with 30% of smokers planning on using a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as gum or patches this new year.

The new free Quit Kit contains tools that that have either been scientifically proven to help reduce cravings or have been developed in response to smokers' needs.

Christine Harvey, Regional Tobacco Policy Manager, East of England said:

"We know that smokers who quit using free NHS support are up to four times more likely to be successful. However Stop Smoking Services do not suit the needs of everyone - that's why the NHS has worked with experts and smokers to create a tailored set of tools to help everyone who wants to quit do so in a way that is the most convenient for them."

The Quit Kit includes:

• a "train to win" willpower assessor helping quitters to identify smoking triggers and providing tips on how to avoid them;
• two MP3 downloads that are scientifically proven to reduce cravings;
• a "tangle" - a new stress relieving distraction tool for the hands, to help manage cravings;
• a toothbrush - to remind quitters of the benefits of fresher breath and so they can see the difference when they brush (smokers get a yellow residue on their toothbrush);
• a health/wealth wheel to work out how much money quitters can save and the immediate health benefits of quitting smoking;
• an A3 "Quit plan" wall chart so that quitters can mark their progress over 28 days and stay focused; and
• details of smokers' local NHS Stop Smoking Services, where they can access NRT and stop smoking medicines, and tailored support - either through one to one or group sessions.

The free Quit Kits are being launched by the Department of Health in a series of adverts that show smokers how the right tools for the job can help them stop smoking.

The Quit Kit adverts run alongside a powerful new advertising campaign, aimed at motivating smokers to quit by demonstrating how much their smoking affects their loved ones. It features children of smokers - not actors - from across the country singing the famous standard "I'd do anything" from the musical Oliver, illustrating they would do anything to help stop their parents smoking. This is supported by the fact that 96% of children whose parents smoke, want them to quit.

The NHS Smoking Helpline is on 0800 0 665 826 from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week. Trained advisers can tell callers about the range of free support available from the NHS to help you stop smoking.

The Quit Kit can be ordered by visiting the NHS website, www.nhs.uk/smokefree or by calling 0800 0 665 826.

12:03:05  2010-01-08