Local people are being encouraged to give quitting a go this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8 March) as research shows those who smoke are more likely to develop dementia.

Latest research from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) revealed that only 14 per cent of people who smoke regionally know that smoking increases their risk of developing dementia.

This is much lower than the number who recognise the links between smoking and lung diseases (80 per cent) or cancer (77 per cent).

With it being estimated that over 3,000 people aged 65 and over are currently living with dementia in Barnsley, it’s important we recognise what we can do to reduce our risk.

This year’s No Smoking Day is focused on stopping smoking to protect your brain health, with studies suggesting that quitting can reduce your risk of developing dementia.

We have been supporting No Smoking Day today to encourage smokers to make a quit attempt and never give up on stopping smoking. Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley has been in Barnsley Markets today, offering advice and support to anyone thinking about quitting.

Their team of friendly, trained advisors have been joined by Councillor Caroline Makinson, Chair of our Tobacco Control Alliance, and Councillor Sarah-Jane Tattersall, Mayor of Barnsley, to encourage people to use today to take their first steps towards quitting smoking.

Stopping smoking offers a wide range of health benefits, starting from the day you quit, is proven to boost your wellbeing and can help you save money. We know quitting can be hard but getting the right support can really boost your chances of going smoke-free.

Latest NHS data shows that Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley is leading the way locally and nationally in helping people to successfully stop smoking and stick with their quit attempts.

This means when you come to Yorkshire Smokefree, you can expect a leading stop smoking service with a proven track record of helping people to quit and stay quit.

Councillor Caroline Makinson, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We’re committed to making smoking invisible in our borough, with only 17 per cent of people in Barnsley currently smoking, and we’re working closely with partners to keep this number coming down.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to mark No Smoking Day with a special event at Barnsley Markets, helping people learn more about the fantastic support we have in our borough to help people quit.

“Stopping smoking is great for your health, including looking after your brain, and as the rising cost of living continues to impact our communities, it can really help your wallet too. I would encourage anyone thinking about quitting to give it a go this No Smoking Day and speak to our Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley team for a helping hand.”

Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of ASH, said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve your health. It has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia, heart disease, cancer and stroke. You experience health benefits within weeks of stopping, breathing easier and feeling fitter.”

Even if you’ve tried before, don’t give up on quitting smoking – every time you try, you’re a step closer to success.

Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley offers a wide range of free and confidential support to suit your needs, including their online quit tool, advice helpline and free stop-smoking products.

Find out how they can help you by visiting their website or calling 0800 612 0011 to speak to a friendly, trained advisor.