KICKING the habit has just been made easier for council workers across Hampshire and Southampton thanks to the launch of special quitting clinics next month.

To encourage more staff to stop smoking this October bosses at Hampshire and Southampton councils are offering extra support to ensure they remain smoke free.

It comes as the national stop smoking campaign Stoptober continues across the UK, setting smokers the challenge of giving up for 28 days.

Not only will the break from cigarettes add an extra week onto their lives, ditching the nicotine on October 1 will also save 20-a-day smokers around £600 by Christmas.

Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stay smokefree.

Dr Andrew Mortimore, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: “We would like families, friends and colleagues to support people to succeed in taking part in this year’s Stoptober challenge and help people enjoy better health and put money back into their pockets.”

Hampshire County Council has joined forces with Quit4Life to provide a workplace clinic at its headquarters in Winchester, while Southampton City Council is offering staff weekly support groups to keep them on track.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for health and wellbeing at Hampshire County Council, said: “As a Hampshire employer, we wanted to be able to offer extra support to our employees who wish to take up the 28-day challenge.” Those looking to quit this Stoptober can call Quit4Life on 0845 602 4663.