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Stoptober 2014 - the biggest stop-smoking challenge ever

Southern DHB urging people to sign up for Stoptober 2014 - the biggest stop-smoking challenge ever


Southern DHB is urging people who smoke to stub out for good this October in New Zealand’s first national stop smoking month – STOPTOBER.

The campaign’s call to action is to sign up to its website in September www.stoptobernz.co.nz which is live now! The goal is to get the 463,000 people who currently smoke to stop smoking together on October, to stay smokefree throughout October and then hopefully beyond.


The website will provide free daily text and email support and a free Stoptober App, downloadable from the website, which has stress-related support in Te Reo Māori and English. The website will also direct people to face to face, online or phone support, depending on their needs, as well as stop smoking medicines.

“The latest census showed that 15% of New Zealanders still smoke and Stoptober is an excellent opportunity to stop for good with the increased support and knowing that you’re not on your own,” said Southern DHB Smokefree Coordinator, Debby Newton.

There is no finger wagging in this campaign – it is a motivational, inclusive approach using these messages:

• Go to www.stoptobernz.co.nz now as you have much more chance of succeeding with our free support.

• Stop smoking for a month and you are five times more likely to stay Smokefree for life.

• Use our free support because you are much more likely to succeed if you do.

• Stop now, and stop together for your health, loved ones and income.

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Twenty six pharmacies across Otago and Southland are actively promoting Stoptober and encouraging their customers to sign up to the campaign. The Giant Red Stop Ball is rolling down the country and stopping at the follow pharmacies from around 10.00am.

19 September Elwyn Bates Pharmacy, Balclutha

22 September Mornington Pharmacy and Mornington Health Centre, Dunedin

23 September Milton Pharmacy

24 September North End Pharmacy, Oamaru

25 September Brockville Pharmacy, Dunedin (from around 3pm)

26 September Unichem South City Pharmacy, Dunedin

“If you want to stop smoking come along and meet the pharmacy staff and the smokefree team from the Southern District Health Board. We’ll be there to provide advice and there’ll be stop smoking give-aways available too.” said Debby.

Stoptober is being funded under the Ministry of Health’s Pathway to Smokefree 2025 Innovation Fund and run by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Inspiring Limited, a provider of smoking cessation support.

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