The county’s mental health and learning disabilities provider, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, is going Smokefree this month.

As part of their drive to improve the lives of people who use their services, the Trust will no longer allow smoking at any of its sites, including within gardens, car parks and grounds.

Premises affected include the Stonebow Unit, within the County Hospital grounds in Hereford, and Oak House, in Barton Road.

The Trust’s Director of Quality, Marie Crofts, said: “We started the process of going Smokefree at our Gloucestershire sites last April and we’re now focusing our efforts on helping our service users, carers and colleagues in Herefordshire to reduce or give up smoking.

“The evidence is that smoking is the primary reason for the 10 to 20 year shortened life expectancy for people with a mental health disorder. We cannot stand by and allow the people we care for to carry on a habit that causes cancer, heart disease and other physical illnesses without providing appropriate encouragement, guidance and support.

“We know giving up smoking is not easy and many people believe smoking reduces mental health conditions such as stress and anxiety. In fact it does the opposite and makes these conditions worse.

“We and our partners in Herefordshire can provide a range of support to help with giving up smoking and the New Year is a particularly good time to quit.”

The advice for anyone wanting support to give up or reduce their smoking in Herefordshire includes:

· 2gether service users can ask to speak to a Smokefree Champion or Quit Advisor

· Visit www.WISHHerefordshire.org or ring 01432 383567

· Speak to your GP

· Visit the One You website.

· The national Smokefree website includes a wide range of support options and advice.

· You can also call the national Smokefree helpline on 0800 022 4332 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm).