Big response to new Quit campaign
26 Nov 2001
More Victorians are making the effort to quit smoking in light of Quit's newest campaign.
Quit Executive Director Todd Harper says the number of calls to the Quitline increased by almost 75% compared to the period before the new campaign was launched.
Mr Harper says areas generating the highest number of calls include the metropolitan suburbs of Frankston, Richmond, Reservoir, St Kilda, St Albans and Werribee, and Croydon. Calls have also increased from regional areas, with high levels of calls recorded from Bendigo and Ballarat.
'We're delighted this latest campaign is encouraging such a high level of calls to the Quitline,' he said.
'We know most smokers want to quit and clearly this campaign is encouraging many to take the steps to do that.'
The campaign's centrepiece is an emotive television advertisement that depicts very powerfully the personal and emotional impact that smoking-caused illnesses have on the lives of smokers. The campaign has also included print and radio advertising.
Mr Harper says research conducted with Quitline callers to gauge their reaction to the campaign found that two thirds of callers who saw the ads said the ads made them more likely to quit smoking.
'We've had very positive feedback about the campaign from callers, with some saying they think this is the most effective quit smoking television advertisement they have seen.'
Mr Harper says while the response to the latest campaign is encouraging, it highlights the need for ongoing campaigns such as these.
'We need campaigns like this one to encourage smokers to quit, because every day smoking kills 13 Victorians.'
Mr Harper says Quit is expecting a high level of calls throughout December and January, as smokers seek to quit for the New Year.
'We know the New Year is a very popular time for smokers to have a go at quitting, and the Quitline will be operating over the Christmas/New Year period to provide support and resources for smokers who want to start the New Year smokefree.'
The new campaign was developed jointly by Quit Victoria and Quit South Australia with funding support from the Victorian and South Australian Governments.
ends
Further information:
Zoe Furman
Media Communications Manager
Quit Victoria,
Phone: 03 9635 5517