Join Our Smokefree Squad - Together We Can Tackle It!
Tranmere Rovers FC is pleased to announce the launch of our Smokefree Squad initiative to help our supporters stop smoking. Our Smokefree Squad will be attending all our home games between 15th February (TRFC V Shrewsbury Town FC) and 29th March (TRFC V Sheffield United FC).
On matchdays you will be able to speak to club stewards who have been specially trained to offer advice, support and guidance on how to stop smoking and provide contact information for your FREE local Stop Smoking Services.
In addition, staff from Tranmere Rovers in the Community will also be part of our Smokefree Squad through their community projects and coaching sessions, whilst fans can take advantage of a stop smoking drop-in service running at Tranmere Rovers recreation centre every Thursday between 5.00-7.00pm. For details of other sessisons in the area call 0151 630 8383 or view our website www.wirralct.nhs.uk
Stopping smoking is the single, most important change you can make to improve your health and it's never too late!
Why Stop?
Here are some facts about smoking
* One in every two long-term smokers dies prematurely as a result of smoking
* Smoking takes oxygen out of the blood and reduces levels of stamina and fitness. So if you want to be top of your sports game it's best to be smokefree!
* Smoking tobacco gives you dull skin, wrinkles and bad breath. It stains your fingers yellow and makes your clothes and hair smell
* Smoking increases the risk of impotence by around 50% for men in their 30s and 40s
* Smoking is expensive! A smoker of 20 a day spends £50 a week and over £2,500 a year
Smoking also can have a long lasting adverse affect on children:
* If children see smoking as a normal part of everyday life they are more likely to become smokers themselves
* Children whose parents smoke are around three times more likely to become smokers themselves
* Children can become addicted to nicotine quickly - A child who smokes just one cigarette doubles their chances of becoming a regular smoker by 17
* Children who are exposed to second-hand smoking are more likely to develop chest problems such as bronchitis; asthma; middle ear infections (glue ear) and deafness; and babies are at risk of sudden infant cot death
* Avoid smoking around children and young people - make your home and car smokefree. If you or visitors choose to smoke - go outside
Stopping Smoking
There are a number of benefits to stopping smoking:
* Better health
* More money to buy essentials such as food or treats such as a meal out, trip to the cinema, downloads, CDs and games
* Better insurance rates (car, house, life)
* Increased stamina to play sport
* Looking younger - improved complexion and fewer wrinkles
* Nicer smelling breath, hair and clothes
* Cleaner house and car
* Lower risk of burning clothes, furniture or starting a fire
* Reducing or quitting smoking is difficult but help is available. With support from your local stop smoking service smokers you are four times more likely to quit than going it alone
Your FREE local stop smoking service can help with:
* A free, personal quit plan, tailored to individual needs
* Stop smoking medicines to help to beat the cravings. These are available on prescription and are free to those on benefits
* Supportive tips on how to stay on track
* Use of a carbon monoxide monitor to see progress in action
Stop smoking services are free, confidential offer a variety of support including one-to-one consultation, group sessions and telephone support are available. Clinics are run at a variety of venues and at different times and you can make an appointment or just drop-in.
If you want to stop smoking you can contact your local NHS Stop Smoking Service by texting QUIT plus your name and postcode to 80039
Alternatively you can call one of the following numbers and quote 'Smokefree Squad':
This campaign has been developed by the European Healthy Stadia Network and Heart of Mersey in collaboration with Tranmere Rovers Football Club, Wirral Borough Council and Wirral Community NHS Trust.