Swap fags for gags at Stoptober Roadshow
Comedic entertainment act The Comedy Fitness Brothers will be part of the nationwide Stoptober roadshow in Bedford Square on Friday October 10 from 10.30am to 4.30pm, to mark the return of the nation’s biggest mass quit smoking attempt.
The 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England is coming to Exeter to encourage smokers to swap their fags for gags and to help them quit for good this October. They will be based in a huge silver American air-stream caravan parked in Bedford Square, Princesshay.
The roadshow will give residents and visitors in Exeter the opportunity to see street entertainers, The Comedy Fitness Brothers, who will be encouraging smokers to take part in the 28 day stop smoking challenge.
As well as being able to sign up to Stoptober, smokers will be able to receive information and expert advice on quitting from local stop smoking services that will be present at the roadshow. In addition, members of the public will be able to tell jokes and record messages of support on a big screen to share via social media.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Now in its third year, Stoptober give people a key date to work towards quitting, along with some essential support, advice and information to help them.
“We’re really excited that the PHE Stoptober roadshow is coming to Exeter, and hope this will give Devon’s smokers the extra incentive to quit, as well as some fantastic entertainment for the day.”
The Comedy Fitness Brothers, Wayne Miller and Richard Jones, won the UK National Street Entertainers award in 2010 for their comedy skits. Their Stoptober routines will be providing lots encouragement and entertainment to those wishing to attempt the challenge this year.
Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are five times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free. Quitting smoking can be a difficult process but successfully quitting has significant health, monetary and social benefits.
Dr Virginia Pearson, Devon’s Director of Public Health, said: “If you are a smoker, stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, so we’re really pleased that Exeter has been chosen to host a Stoptober Roadshow this year.
“This year’s campaign is all about getting some really important messages across in a comedic way. People know that smoking is bad for them – we want to encourage people to make quitting enjoyable – to realise the positive benefits they will achieve rather than dwell on the negative.”
Stoptober provides smokers with a range of free tools including a new stop smoking pack, a 28-day mobile phone app, text support with daily updates, quitting advice and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people quitting together through Stoptober social media channels.
The 28-day challenge started on 1st October. For those that can’t attend the Roadshow, there is more information online. To join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, search ‘Stoptober’ online and sign up.
For more local information and advice on quitting smoking contact Devon’s Stop Smoking Service on 01884 836024 or visit the website.
