Workers commuting in and out of Birmingham are to be targeted by health workers to help them quit smoking this week, as part of National No Smoking Day.
Street teams will join workers around New Street station, Colmore Row and Chamberlain Square to help smokers make a fresh start tomorrow.
With a nationwide smoking ban set to imposed on pubs, clubs, restaurants and other enclosed spaces from next summer, the impetus to give up has never been stronger.
Most reformed smokers feel fitter within two weeks of stopping and are also better off financially, as a 20-a-day smoker will save £2,000 in the first 12 months.
Commuters will be given practical advice and details of local smoking cessation services in Birmingham, and the quitter with the best reason to stub out their habit will receive a luxury spa break.
Janet Reece, programme manager for Smoke Free Birmingham, said: "This huge campaign involving all Birmingham's NHS primary care trusts aims to help smokers.
"We are getting out there to give information to smokers who are serious about stopping.
"Quitters can talk anonymously to an adviser on the phone, or they can contact their local stop smoking service and get support from a group, GP or pharmacist. There's something for everyone planning to give up on or around No Smoking Day."
She added: "Hopefully every time they use the mug they will think about the real health benefits of stopping smoking and that will help them to give up or remind them what an important decision they made to stop."
* More information from the NHS Smoking Helpline 0800 169 0 169 or visit www.givingupsmoking.co.uk/-nhs
