SMOKERS in Huddersfield were urged to turn ash into cash in a new initiative to stop them lighting up.
The money angle was used by health officials as they marked National No Smoking Day with an action plan in the town centre.
As the credit crunch continues, the Kirklees Stop Smoking Service is appealing to smokers to give up and save money.
As part of this year’s campaign, the service teamed up with shops in the Packhorse Centre, to highlight the dangers of smoking, both to your health and pocket.
A Stop Smoking stall was placed in the centre where shoppers could receive free, confidential advice from dedicated NHS professionals.
Shoppers could also take part in a coin hunt designed to raise smoking awareness and be in with a chance to win one of the prizes donated by Packhorse businesses.
Specialist Stop Smoking Advisor Joy Thomas said: “All the giant pound coins will carry the name of one of the chemicals present in tobacco. Our idea is for shoppers to have some fun while learning about the dangers of smoking.
“We’re sure some people will be surprised at the chemicals involved.”
Shoppers were also able to take a free carbon monoxide test and find out about the therapies available to help them stop and stay stopped.
New research released to mark this year’s No Smoking Day has shown that more than one in three smokers in Yorkshire are thinking about or planning to cut down or stop smoking because of the credit crunch.
Dan Tickle, chief executive of the No Smoking Day charity, said: “Giving up cigarettes will boost your bank balance, but the health benefits are even greater, including easier breathing, improved fitness and healthier hair, nails and skin.
“By choosing No Smoking Day to quit, smokers will be joining a million others taking the first step to a healthier-wealthier life. And you’re four times more likely to succeed if you use a free NHS Stop Smoking Service.”
FIRE chiefs have backed the No Smoking Day message.
Firefighters from across West Yorkshire have thrown their weight behind the campaign and said the message was: “Put it out. Right out!”
They want to highlight the importance of safety when smoking indoors.
Statistics revealed by the service show that you are six times more likely to die through a fire caused by a cigarette than any other fire, and a household which is home to a smoker is 40% more likely to suffer from a fire than a non-smoking household.
Their advice is:
Be sure to completely extinguish all smoking materials
Do NOT empty into a bin, take it outside
Do NOT smoke if you are tired or under the influence of alcohol
Do NOT smoke in bed
Check your fire alarm regularly
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of your children.
