People in the Isle of Man are being encouraged to sign up to a new ‘Smokefree Pledge’, either for No Smoking Day on 9 March or in preparation for the new smokefree cars legislation coming into effect on 30 March.

Non-smokers, ex-smokers and smokers are all welcome to take the pledge to make their home, car or themselves smokefree. Those making the pledge will receive a free car sticker, certificate or Quit Kit. The car sticker uses a bright, colourful image designed by Daniel Millward, Age 10, who won the children’s drawing competition held by the Department.

The Quit Kit contains a new Quit Planner designed by the Quit4You service specifically for the Isle of Man. It is a valuable toolkit for anyone wanting to quit smoking. The Quit Planner is filled with top tips to help people prepare for quitting and record the first four weeks of going smokefree. It is packed with checklists, useful apps and websites, as well as information on recovery symptoms, savings and medications.

Lauren Howard, Specialist Stop Smoking Adviser, said: “The Smokefree Pledge is really quick and simple to complete. By pledging to make yourself, your home or your car smokefree today, you will be taking the first step on a journey towards a healthy lifestyle to protect yourself, your family, friends and pets from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. You will also be encouraging a smokefree future for the children in your life.”

Anita Imberger, Health Psychologist and Tobacco Lead, said: “Pledging to make your car smokefree is a great way to prepare for the new legislation coming into place at the end of the month. From 30 March, it will be illegal to smoke in vehicles with someone under 16 present. The free car sticker is a colourful way to promote your smokefree car and notify passengers about your preference to keep your car smokefree at all times.”

To make a ‘Smokefree Car’, ‘Smokefree Home’ or ‘Smokefree Me’ pledge, the public should visit the relaunched www.Quit4You.gov.im, designed to make finding information even easier.

More information about help to quit smoking is available at www.Quit4You.gov.im, by emailing tobacco@gov.im or by phoning Quit4You on 642404.

For more information about the new law banning smoking in vehicles with someone under 16 present visit www.gov.im/smokinglegislation or phone the Environment, Safety and Health Directorate (DEFA) on 685894.