Kent County Council (KCC) has linked up with local football clubs to help raise awareness of free stop smoking and mental health support.
Many smokers think smoking helps them relax but it actually increases anxiety and fuels poor mental health.
Now KCC is partnering with Folkestone Invicta Football Club (FC), Dover Athletic FC and Dartford FC to promote the help available for supporters wanting to quit smoking, or to talk to someone if things don’t feel right.
Look out for pitchside banners, matchday programmes and posters, with details of our:
Overall, the number of people smoking continues to fall and now around one in 10 Kent residents light up, which is slightly below the national average.
But some areas of the county have seen smoking numbers increase, including Folkestone and Hythe, Dover and Gravesham.
“The clubs are at the heart of their communities and able to help us encourage residents to kick the habit, or reach out for support when life feels tough”Dan WatkinsKCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Partnering with some of our local football clubs to help fans show smoking the red card or tackle low mental health is the perfect match.
“The clubs are at the heart of their communities and able to help us encourage residents to kick the habit, or reach out for support when life feels tough.”
“…quitting smoking is well worth it and one of the best decisions you can make for your health, wellbeing, family and finances. People also don’t need to suffer in silence when life gets tough as there are services to talk to”Dr Anjan GhoshKCC Director of Public Health
KCC’s Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “We’re excited to work with our local clubs to highlight our services and give everyone the same opportunity for early support, better health and wellbeing.
“Smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year in the UK. It unfairly affects the most vulnerable in our communities, including people with severe mental health conditions. It strains the budgets of households already stretched by the cost of living and impacts the health of those around you.
Dartford’s George Whitefield celebrates scoring the winning goal against Cheshunt in November 2024. PHOTO CREDIT: Carol White-Griffiths
“It means quitting smoking is well worth it and one of the best decisions you can make for your health, wellbeing, family and finances. People also don’t need to suffer in silence when life gets tough as there are services to talk to.”
A spokesperson for Dartford Football Club (DFC) said: “We are proud to be part of this KCC initiative and have placed pitchside banners reflecting our commitment.
“DFC works closely with many partners to support the mental health and well-being of those in the community and this campaign feeds into our on-going work in this area. The club also operates a no-smoking stadium, with designated areas outside.
“We are pleased to highlight the variety of help on offer to our supporters and the wider community should they need mental health support, or support to stop smoking.
“No one should think they need to face these challenges alone.”
KCC received £1.9million from central government to tackle smoking addiction during 2024/2025. Read more
Finding life tough? Talking can help. We have a highly trained and experienced team available 24/7 to provide expert support no matter what you are going through. Don’t suffer in silence. Text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160
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