- Real Valentine Appeal
- Give Up Smoking
- Well Fit!
- Heart Week
Give Up Smoking
Introduction
Giving-up smoking is the single most important thing a smoker can do to avoid a heart attack. Providing people with the information and support they need to stop smoking is a vital part of the BHF's work.
Action
Last year, with full funding from the Department of Health, we launched our highly effective and award-winning campaign to encourage more people to quit smoking. The advertising slogan “give up before you clog up completely” which appeared on posters, national press and the internet, was taken to heart by thousands.
Smokers throughout the UK were given the tools to quit smoking forever with a package of motivational emails, texts and picture messages to mobile phones. The BHF recognises that smoking and chewing tobacco is more prevalent amongst South Asians, particularly Bangladeshis, where 42% of the community smoke. We worked closely with organisations such as Asian Quitline, which provided literature, advice and support in five South Asian languages and English.
Impact
In 2004, over a quarter of a million people accessed smoking cessation support services via the BHF helpline, website, interactive TV or their local NHS stop smoking service. Evaluation in spring 2004 highlighted that attendance at these NHS clinics doubled during the first showing of the BHF campaign. The advertising campaign appeared on TV and posters for further bursts in 2004 - 2005. The advertisement persuaded thousands of people to give up smoking, saving thousands of lives. It was recognised as one of the most successful healthcare campaigns in recent times and has won 16 industry awards.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. Up until this campaign featuring the cigarette full of fat I had given up giving up. I saw the posters on Friday, and it's now Monday and my third cigarette free day. You have probably saved my life. With heartfelt gratitude."
Next steps
As part of our ongoing commitment to help smokers give up for good, the BHF has set up three new websites for those who have kicked the habit, cut down or are still just thinking about quitting.