An anti-smoking campaign is hoping to help people save cash by ditching the ash.

NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian have joined forces to support people trying to give up cigarettes by focusing on the harmful effects smoking has on people’s health and bank accounts.

It comes as the cost-of-living crisis has left people struggling to get by and desperate to save money.

They are highlighting that if someone smokes 20 cigarettes per day, research shows quitting could save them at least £3000 per year.

Smokers and their families are being urged to use the free NHS stop smoking service - Quit Your Way.

The service offers 12 weeks of support to anyone who smokes, including free nicotine replacement therapy, and specialist support to quit for pregnant women and those with mental health problems.

The campaign features NHS respiratory consultant Dr John McCafferty, emphasising that although some may believe smoking is helping them cope through these difficult times, it actually has the opposite effect and makes them feel worse.

Shirley Mitchell, programme manager of Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Smoking is not the main reason for poverty, but it does make things much worse for people living with money worries.

“Working in partnership with both NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian means we’re in a much stronger position to raise awareness of our service, especially at a time when people may be struggling more financially and mentally.

“We know nicotine is a powerful, addictive drug, but by getting the right support from our service, it can increase your chances of quitting.”

Geraldine Lucas, health improvement lead of Quit Your Way, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, added: “Quitting smoking is the single most important thing someone can do to improve their health.

“Most people will know that quitting smoking can improve their physical health, but it's also proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing, helping relieve stress and anxiety. We want to highlight that our services are there to support people at this very challenging time.

“The NHS has a great team of Quit Your Way advisers with lots of experience in helping people to give up smoking.

"Stop smoking services can provide tailored information and support, as well as discussing the free nicotine replacement products like patches and gum that are available through the Quit Your Way services to help you quit.”

Dr John McCafferty, consultant respiratory physician, NHS Lothian, said: “I understand people struggling might believe smoking helps them to relax.

“However, that relaxed feeling only lasts a short time before they start to feel anxious, tired and depressed. That can then lead to smoking more - it’s a vicious circle.

“In my role as a respiratory consultant, many of my patients have serious health issues due to smoking, including COPD and lung cancer.

“I hope that being able to raise further awareness of the Quit Your Way service will encourage people thinking of quitting smoking to give it a go, even if they have already tried before.

“The health benefits from stopping smoking start almost as soon as you stop, quitting could save your life.”

To find out about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area, call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 between Monday-Friday from 9am until 5pm or visit QuitYourWay.scot.

You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support.