Provost backs ASH Scotland's No Smoking Day Campaign
Provost Anthea Dickson, who successfully completed her own personal journey to live a tobacco-free life, is backing a health charity’s national No Smoking Day campaign urging people across North Ayrshire who smoke to make attempts to give up and win through improvements in their physical health, mental wellbeing and finances.
Provost Dickson is supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, which is highlighting that giving up smoking increases opportunities to live a healthier life through improving mental health and decreasing the risks of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and some cancers.
The charity advises that an average smoker who gives up tobacco on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March) would save £3,332 within 12 months, money that could be better spent on a holiday or something special for themselves or their loved ones.
Quote: I had my first cigarette at about 11 years of age and stop-started throughout my teens but became a wholly engaged smoker by the time I went to university. My cigarette consumption rose to 40 a day during my studying, apprenticeship and during my early working years. I did stop smoking during my pregnancies but started again about one year after the births. I eventually managed to stop smoking for good, however, immediately after my son, then aged 2, was diagnosed with asthma. That was 39 years ago, and I have never wanted to smoke since, beyond a notional hankering. Fortunately, the smell of smoke puts me off and, since giving up cigarettes, I certainly feel the benefits of not having smoke-smelling clothes or driving a car that doesn’t stink like an ashtray! I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign and urge anyone who is thinking about quitting smoking to give it a go and, if you need support, you can reach out to Quit Your Way which is a free NHS service.”
Quote from: Anthea Dickson, Provost of North Ayrshire
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We congratulate Provost Anthea Dickson on succeeding in her journey to become tobacco-free, and we’re delighted to have her support for our ‘Quit and Win’ campaign.
“Tobacco is still the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland but people across North Ayrshire who smoke can have a brighter future by leaving tobacco behind.
“This No Smoking Day, we are encouraging people who smoke to make a commitment to yourself and your loved ones to try giving up tobacco. Most people who successfully quit smoking do so unaided, but for those who need support, therapies like nicotine replacement patches, gums or lozenges are freely available along with health expertise from the specialist Quit Your Way service.”
Please note: Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to visit Quit Your Way Scotland or call the free helpline on 0800 848484. ASH Scotland is tackling the tobacco industry head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. For more information, follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.
Published: 10 March 2025