A local North West council is said to be considering the idea of trialling an incentive scheme where residents will be paid to quit smoking.
With recent data showing that smoking is not only a leading cause of a number of preventable illnesses, but it also costs the economy approximately £13 billion a year – including costs of £3 billion to the NHS and to social care – Cheshire East Council is apparently looking to try out something new to tackle the problem.
It is considering trialling a smoking cessation incentive scheme to promote good health.
It comes after research by health experts Cochrane Library analysed the results of 33 trials in eight countries with more than 21,000 participants trying to give up cigarettes, and found 50% of people were more likely to stop smoking if they received some form of a financial reward than those who were not.
The study also included 10 trials looking at pregnant people trying to quit smoking, and found that in this case, quit rates for those receiving incentives were double that of those who did not.
In Cheshire East, it’s said that approximately 10.5% of the general population and 10.8% of pregnant residents smoke, which is presumably why the Council is looking at alternative ways to get people to quit.
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“There is strong evidence showing that offering financial rewards stops smoking,” said Dr Matt Tyrer – Director of Public Health at Cheshire East Council.
“Combined with regular carbon monoxide testing to prove smoking status, this can be very effective in reducing smoking rates and achieving successful quits [so] we’re looking to consider a similar innovative approach by providing vouchers as part of a wider package of support.
“[This is] to encourage people to quit smoking for good and ultimately make our residents’ lives healthier and happier.
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“Providing vouchers for relatively small sums of money to encourage people to quit smoking is highly cost-effective, because the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking are so great, along with the financial savings of more than £4,500 a year for someone who used to smoke 20 cigarettes a day.
“Quitting smoking is also one of the best things a woman and her partner can do to protect their baby’s health through pregnancy and beyond.”
The Adults and Health Committee will consider a further report setting out the options for providing financial incentives on 18 July 2022.
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.