Salford smokers are being urged to quit for at least a month as part of the Stoptober campaign which launched yesterday.
Paul, a vape shop worker in Salford, has seen an increase in people switching from cigarettes and tobacco to vapes, but the campaign is urging users to give up both.
Paul said: “Anything that helps people come away from traditional cigarettes and combustible tobacco is going to be a good thing. Stoptober can be very successful, but it really depends on the individual.
“The bread and butter of the vaping industry is still, and always will be, people that want to give up smoking. The hobby side of it is a very very small minority, and a small percentage of the market.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has suggested in recent weeks that he intends to ban smoking for the next generation, in the hopes that the UK will be smoke free by 2039.
Vaping has been suggested as a healthier alternative for smoking, yet the colourful packaging as well as the countless flavours available on the market has led to an increase in children and teenagers using these devices.
Jessica, a 20-year-old Salford university student, said taking part in Stoptober last year helped her to stop smoking, and that it has had a positive impact in her life.
She said: “Mentally, I never thought I would be able to quit.
“I was spending way too much money on disposable vapes, so I decided to give it up cold turkey last October and I never went back. Since then I’ve saved myself so much money and I feel healthier and better in myself for quitting.”
Salford Royal Hospital is offering free lung health checks for people aged between 55-74, as well as an opportunity to speak to the Salford stop smoking service.
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