York’s adult smoking rate is now at just 6.7 per cent — the 8th lowest in the country, according to the latest data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
York’s Health Trainer Service has played a key role by offering free, personalised support to help residents quit smoking and improve their health, including free vapes and or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), alongside behavioural change advice.
Despite progress smoking still causes around 2,500 premature deaths each year in Humber and North Yorkshire.
Cllr Lucy Steels Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: “York’s continued progress in reducing smoking rates is a testament to the dedication of our Health Trainers and the commitment of residents to lead healthier lives. Every person who stops smoking is taking a powerful step toward better health — for themselves and their families.”
Glyn Newberry, Public Health Manager at City of York Council, added: “We’re proud to support people in York to make lasting changes. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but with the right help, it’s absolutely achievable. These figures show what’s possible when services work together and people feel empowered to take control of their health.”
Pete Milner, a grandad and HGV driver from the Stockton Lane area of York, stopped smoking after 50 years by using free nicotine patches with support from York Health Trainers.
He decided to quit after a diagnosis of COPD and his symptoms started improving within weeks.
Pete said: “I was struggling to breathe and had a really awful cough. I quit over six weeks ago and the difference you can tell after the first two weeks – your breathing starts getting a bit easier. I used to wheeze a lot I’m not even wheezing at all now and I’m sleeping better.
“If anybody is thinking about quitting, please contact the York Health Trainers, they have been really supportive. Yes it’s hard work, it’s not easy, but I haven’t had a cigarette in over six weeks now and the support that I’ve had – I can’t fault it!”
