Welsh Smokers are choosing between smoking, heating, or eating, as the cost of living deepens in Wales.
Concerns have been raised by the health charity ASH Wales and Welsh NHS services, who have both seen a rise in smokers seeking support.
According to ASH Wales, smoking is not a habit but an addiction, which explains why smoking can lead many into financial hardship. For context, a packet of cigarettes now costs in the region of £12.
Research conducted by ASH has found that smokers now spend on average £2,451 a year on cigarettes, which is the cost equivalent of an average energy bill in Great Britain.
The high cost of cigarettes coupled with the high cost of living has caused many smokers in Wales to seek support.
According to the NHS stop smoking service at Hywel Dda University Health Board, there has been a rise in smokers who want to quit, in a bid to reduce spending.
Fiona Edwards, a NHS Smoking Cessation Practitioner working in Carmarthen, said:
“The cost of smoking is substantial, and in recent months we have seen many smokers access services as they are faced with choosing between smoking, heating, or eating.
‘Many people will think this an easy choice for smokers to make, however, it is worth noting that smoking is an addiction which often requires specialised intervention and support.
‘The current climate has prompted many smokers to seek help to reduce their spending.”
Helen Poole, a NHS Smoking Cessation Practitioner working in Cardiff, has also seen a rise in smokers concerned with finances. She said:
“The cost of smoking is substantial and continues to be one of the main motivators for people to stop smoking.
‘The cost of living crisis is felt across Wales, and is acutely felt by those trapped in tobacco addiction .”
In light of the surge in smokers facing financial difficulty, the charity ASH Wales have launched a financial health campaign.
The ‘Switch, Quit and Save’ campaign and has been created in partnership with ASH Wales, Welsh money advice services, and local health boards.
The campaign signposts smokers to cheaper and less-harmful tobacco alternatives, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine gum.
The campaign also signposts smokers to the national stop smoking service, ‘Help Me Quit’, which offers free nicotine therapies and stop smoking support.
Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, marked the benefits of stopping smoking. She said:
“The current climate is difficult for everyone, and it is especially hard on those trapped in the financial drain of smoking.
“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in Wales, costing many lives and needless pounds .
‘I urge anyone to utilise the current climate as a springboard to improve finances and overall health by stopping smoking.”
Free specialist stop smoking support is available to all smokers in Wales, and can be accessed through Helpmequit.wales .
The ‘Switch, Quit and Save’ campaign can also be found at: ash.wales .
