Michelle Campbell MSP is encouraging residents across Renfrewshire North and Cardonald to give up smoking using NHS Scotland’s free Quit Your Way service.The MSP backed the call from health charity ASH Scotland after sponsoring its parliamentary reception.
Guests heard about the charity’s work to reduce smoking rates and prevent children and young people from starting to use nicotine products such as vapes.
Amber, Hamza, Flynn and Ella, senior members of Scotland’s Children’s Parliament, presented their calls for action to deliver a vape-free future for Scotland.
Michelle Campbell MSP said: “I was pleased to sponsor ASH Scotland’s parliamentary reception and support the work of the charity and Members of the Children’s Parliament in calling for actions to reduce smoking in our communities and prevent the uptake of vapes by children and young people.
“The charity informed me that the smoking rate in Renfrewshire is 13.1% and there are many health advantages for people who give up smoking, such as halving the risk of developing lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, oesophagus and larynx cancer after five to 10 years of being tobacco-free.
“It’s reassuring to know that there is expert support available from NHS Scotland’s qualified health professionals who work for the free Quit Your Way service, and I encourage constituents to access their specialist advice to help achieve a healthier tobacco-free future.”
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have Michelle Campbell MSP’s support for our campaigning for Scotland to obtain a tobacco-free generation.
“Tobacco is still the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland but people in Renfrewshire who smoke can have a brighter future by contacting Quit Your Way as they can increase the chances of successful quit smoking attempts by three to four times.”
Anyone looking to give up smoking can visit QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.
Photo: Michelle Campbell MSP hears about Renfrewshire’s smoking rate of 13.1% at ASH Scotland’s parliamentary reception
Photo Credit: ASH Scotland
Photo: Michelle Campbell MSP with ASH Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy and Children’s Parliament members Flynn, Amber, Ella and Hamza at the Scottish Parliament
Photo Credit: ASH Scotland