NHS STOPtober Campaign Photography
I was delighted to be asked to cover an initiative for the NHS recently called STOPtober. This is a key campaign the NHS run to help smokers STOP – simple right?
Well, many people find it hard to stop smoking so the NHS has a range of services and support to help. It’s a fantastic idea as smoking related diseases are a massive burden on the NHS, so any opportunity to reduce that burden and live a healthier life is an opportunity worth taking. It all starts with a 28 day challenge with full ongoing support. A bite size way to tackle an addiction.
The brief
The NHS spend millions fighting the effects of smoking each year and so wanted to put a more friendly and personable spin to the message this year. So, as well photographing the team and store management of the local ASDA store to show just how much support is being given, they also wanted imagery of those affected. And so we were invited to sit in on a one-to-one session held in a private room in the store. During this session a man who had been a heavy smoker for many years was received coaching, information and updates on what is available and also sharing his experiences of giving up gradually. As, ultimately, you’re more likely to give up with support and when moving away from cigarettes gradually, instead of just going cold turkey. During these sessions their readings are taken to see how much their breathing has improved and how the nicotine in their system has been reducing. The images taken are set to be used in local collateral to drive home the message of the personal support that is given.
