A SERVICE that has helped thousands of Wirral people to stop smoking has been named the country's top support provider.

Wirral's Stop Smoking service tops the list, out of a pool of 169 local services, according to latest figures from NHS digital.

The ranking is based on the numbers of people setting quit dates and the numbers of quits per 100,000 of the population from April to September 2021, the most recent data published online.

More than 7,116 locals per 100,000 have set quit dates during this time, with 4,099 people per 100,000 supported to successfully quit in the borough.

Councillor Yvonne Nolan, chair of Wirral's adult social care and public health committee, said: "This is fantastic news for communities across Wirral. As smokers continue to quit in their thousands I am hopeful that we should begin to see the associated health risks plummet too.

"Wirral's Stop Smoking Service works in communities across the borough, so support to quit is being offered right on our doorsteps. I'd encourage anyone thinking about quitting get in touch with them.

"And with Stoptober upon us, I would encourage more and more people in Wirral to ditch smoking, for good."

According to Public Health England, you are four times more likely to successfully quit with the right specialist support.

Since 2016 Wirral has seen an annual reduction in smoking from 18% to 10.7% of the population in 2020. Their mission now is to make Smoking History for Wirral’s children by 2027.

Elizabeth Woodworth, Head of ABL Health Wirral, said: "Even in tricky circumstances over the last few years, I’m so proud of the work that ABL has done in helping thousands of local people to quit smoking.

"Our approach has always been to focus on 'what is strong', rather than 'wrong', within Wirral communities - building connections and targeting our support where it will have a greater effect.

"The end goal is to support everyone across Wirral to live healthier and happier for longer – while being smokefree!"

Free, local support from health experts at ABL Wirral is available to anyone who wants to cut out cigarettes or wants help switching to or quitting e-cigs. You can call the service for support on 0151 541 5656 or visit www.ablhealth.co.uk.

You can also free text ‘ABL’ to 60777 for free advice and support.