Rotherham's investment in anti-smoking initiatives pays off with fourth place ranking in the UK for quit rates

National research revealed 71 per cent of smokers in Rotherham have successfully quit — three-quarters of men compared with slightly less for women (69 per cent).  

This placed Rotherham fourth nationally, with Warrington top, Barnsley second and Dudley third.

Seventy-three per cent of pregnant smokers in Rotherham managed to quit, while the age group with the best success rate was 45 to 59, according to data from nicotine pouch manufacturer Haypp.

Total government expenditure in Rotherham for anti-smoking initiatives stood at £251,541.

Rotherham’s director of public health, Ben Anderson, said: “It is great to see the high quit rate being achieved through our Get Healthy Rotherham service and to know that local people are accessing top quality support to overcome their nicotine dependency.

“There are many health benefits associated with giving up smoking, such as reducing your risk of heart disease, cancers and other lung diseases, and you are able to feel positive results right away.

“There are also other benefits people consider when giving up smoking including saving money or feeling more active.

“I encourage anyone thinking about stopping smoking or getting support with weight management to look at the Better Health website for self-management support or to get in touch with the Get Healthy Rotherham service and start their journey today.”

Last year, the Advertiser reported on figures published by charity Action on Smoking and Health, which found that smoking resulted in a £7 million social care bill in Rotherham and that early deaths of smokers cost the borough’s economy £8 million a year.