Staff at Warwickshire County Council who want to quit smoking are being offered help and advice from other staff members, some of whom have formerly kicked the habit themselves.
The initiative is formally launched this week to coincide with National No Smoking Day on 14 March.
Employees who want to quit are now able to turn to a special team of Stop Smoking Advisers – fellow colleagues who have been approved by Warwickshire NHS Stop Smoking Services to offer advice.
The 14 advisers are based around the county and work across the council’s directorates.
Councillor Alan Farnell, leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “A recent staff survey revealed that, out of those employees who took part, 74% who currently smoke want to quit. This figure is well above the national average for smokers that want to give up.
“We owe it to these employees to give them the support and guidance they need to boost their willpower and get unhooked.”
