LOCAL school children have given their backing to the launch of Support, a new service to help people stop smoking.

Pupils from St Mary & St Thomas Primary School in Barton Street, St Helens took part in a poster competition organised by the Health Authority and the Health Promotion Unit.

They designed posters to illustrate the dangers of smoking with slogans including 'Smoker is a Choker' and 'Tobacco damages your health - don't do it just to impress.'

And the winning posters were displayed at an exhibition to launch Support at Church Square Shopping Centre

St Helens and Knowsley Support is a new NHS service offering friendly advice and support to smokers who want to quit. Trained cessation specialists based throughout the area will offer smokers one-to-one support including advice on the different methods of quitting.

To contact Support, ask your family doctor, practice nurse or any other primary care nurse to refer you, or call the Roy Castle FagEnds helpline on 0800 1952131 and ask to join the St Helens & Knowsley Support service.

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