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District Dispatch - 7 October 2025

As you may be aware, this month is Stoptober — the annual campaign that encourages people to quit smoking. Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but it's not always easy to know where to start.

Councillor Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing

We know that self-belief and confidence have a hugely positive impact on quitting success, and you're three times more likely to quit if you have professional support from an advisor, compared to going it alone. That's why it's important to know that there's lots of support available to help you, including tailored advice from our Wellbeing team.

Our friendly advisors provide a free one-to-one confidential service for 12 weeks. These sessions can be face-to-face or over the phone, depending on which is more suitable for the individual. The team can also help people access free Nicotine Replacement Therapy, if this is required. While Stoptober focuses on staying smoke-free for 28 days — because people who reach that milestone are five times more likely to quit for good — our team is here to support you all year round. Find out more by visiting Chichester Wellbeing's Stop Smoking Service page (opens new window) or calling 01243 521041.

This is just one of the many services our Wellbeing team provides. They also offer friendly, free advice on becoming more active, losing weight, eating healthily, and managing stress.

Our Alcohol Wellbeing Advisors can support residents who want to reduce their alcohol intake. If someone recognises that they might be drinking too much on a regular basis, it can often be difficult to find the right support. Our advisors work with people to create a realistic, manageable plan that's tailored to their needs. One of our recent clients had been drinking regularly for a long time and wanted help but couldn't attend the support groups they'd previously relied on. With guidance from our advisors, they made a fantastic change by reducing their alcohol intake from over 50 units a week to less than 14. It's stories like this that show how powerful the right support can be.

Our Wellbeing team also run 12-week weight loss workshops focused on healthy eating and sustainable weight loss. There is also a 24-week fall-prevention course for people who are worried about falling or have had a fall in the past — these courses help people feel steadier and more confident on their feet. Our workplace health advisor works with small and medium-sized employers to help them support their staff's wellbeing.

If you're looking to get more active, we offer free 'walking with poles' courses. These are led by a qualified Walking Instructor and are perfect for anyone who's doing less than the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week. We also offer a free 10-week course for those looking to get back into exercise in partnership with local instructors, Everyone Active and Thrive gym in Selsey, visit the Chichester Wellbeing Active For Life page (opens new window).

The team also run the Heartsmart walks programme, which offers volunteer-led guided walks at various locations around the district. There are two to three walks each week, all year round, and they're suitable for all ages and abilities. You can find the walk timetable on the Chichester Wellbeing Healthy Walks page (opens new window).

This year, we also launched a new Warrior Programme, designed to help men aged between 30 and 60 who are looking to give their health and wellbeing a boost. Delivered in partnership with Chichester Strength and Conditioning, the course is a great opportunity for participants to exercise more, improve their mobility and energy levels, and boost their overall health and mental wellbeing. For more about the programme and details of the next available sessions, visit Chichester Strength and Conditioning's Warrior Programme page (opens new window).

If you'd like to find out how our Wellbeing team can support you or someone you care about, please visit the Chichester Wellbeing website (opens new window); call 01243 521041; or email wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk. The team would love to hear from you.

Best wishes,

Cllr Tracie Bangert
Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing
Chichester District Council

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