On average, smoking kills nearly a thousand people in Devon a year. Smoking rates have fallen, but still, around 14 per cent of adults in Devon smoke - that’s around 88,461 people.

It’s not just their health at stake, but it’s the impact it has on their families, those around them, and their community at large.

The charity, Action on Smoking and Health, (ASH), have released data today, National No Smoking Day (March 9 2022), highlighting the link between smoking and poverty.

30 per cent of households containing smokers, in the South West, are living in poverty.

On average, smokers are spending just under £2,000 a year on their habit.

ASH say that their employment chances and average earnings are also damaged by smoking.

And smokers are two and a half times more likely to need social care at home, and need care on average 10 years earlier than non-smokers.

It’s costing adult social care authorities too, accounting for 8 per cent of their spend.

Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health Devon, said:

“Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in England, quitting smoking can transform lives, and our communities.

“The benefits of stopping smoking are not only on the health and wellbeing of the smoker but also other family members living in the household. It also reduces demand on health and social care services down the line.

“Each year, OneSmallStep help people like Marc to do what is otherwise really difficult for many people. There’s nothing wrong in asking for help.

“If you are a smoker, pick up the phone and call us on 01392 908 139, or visit our website https://onesmallstep.org.uk. We want to hear from you.”