Smokers in Leeds urged to use free support to quit for Stoptober

The annual awareness-raising campaign aims to encourage smokers to make a quit attempt in October, with research showing people are five times more likely to stop for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke-free.

Latest figures show nationally, for the first time in history, smoking prevalence reduced to single digits in 2025 – to 9.5 per cent in England.

Fewer people are also smoking in Leeds, where prevalence has also dropped by one per cent over the year, to 11.8 per cent – but is still above the national average.

There is a range of free support available to people in Leeds, with evidence showing specialist support greatly increases the chances of quitting for good.

Leeds Stop Smoking Services provides personalised face-to-face and telephone support, as well as a range of quit-smoking aids including free nicotine replacement therapies and vape kits.

After joining, people are assigned a local expert smoking cessation coach who will support them on their journey to being smoke-free.

Quitters can also access six months of free digital support through the Smoke Free app. The app provides 24/7 support from a stop smoking advisor, as well as practical tools to keep motivated, such as keeping track of how health is improving and how much money is being saved.

Stoptober also comes at an important time as preparations continue for the Tobacco and Vapes Act which will introduce a new age of sale for tobacco products from January 1 2027.

This means anyone born on or after January 1 2009 will never legally be able to buy cigarettes or other tobacco products. The changes are part of wider action to create a smokefree generation.

Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, adults and health, said: “Leeds City Council is committed to supporting people who want to stop smoking and thousands of people in Leeds have stopped thanks to the support we’ve provided through Leeds Stop Smoking Service.

“It’s the best thing you can do for your health - and your pocket too, as you can save around £100 a week by stopping. We’d urge anyone thinking of quitting to make the most of the free help on offer.”

Victoria Eaton, director of public health at Leeds City Council, said: “Each year in Leeds, nearly 1,000 people die due to smoking-related conditions and approximately 5,500 people are admitted to hospital.

“Stopping smoking is the single most effective step a person can take to improve their health and wellbeing, and this is true of quitting at any age.

“Getting support to stop is proven to increase your chances of successfully quitting. There are different ways to get support, from digital tools to free support from a stop smoking advisor - it’s about finding what works for you and fits into your life.

“Stoptober is a chance to take the step and a range of support is there to make it easier for you.”

To find out more or sign up to the Leeds Stop Smoking Service, visit www.leedsstopsmoking.co.uk or call 0800 169 4219.

For more information about the Smoke Free app, visit: https://yestoquit.co.uk/ways-to-quit-quit-smoking-app/

ENDS

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Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007