Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health for Hampshire said, “Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful things you can do for both your body and your mind. Within days, your physical health improves, and your brain starts to rebalance its natural chemicals, helping you feel calmer, brighter and more in control. This campaign is about reminding people that stopping smoking isn’t just about living longer – it’s about living happier.”
To bring the campaign to life, Smokefree Hampshire, the County Council’s quit smoking service in collaboration with the South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) will host a pop-up event at ‘The Landing’, Farnborough Town Square from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday 20 January. Residents can drop in for friendly no-pressure guidance, a carbon monoxide reading, sign up for free personalised quit support, and a chance to meet the campaign’s roving ‘brain’ character - designed to spark conversations about how quitting boosts mood, reduces stress and supports better mental health.
This initiative is part of a wider SESA mass media campaign funded and supported by Hampshire County Council and other local authorities. Advertisements will run across TV, radio, and online sharing positive messages about the benefits of quitting and signposting support services available to Hampshire residents.
Stop Smoking, Feel Happier forms part of Hampshire’s goal to become smokefree by 2030. More than 152,000 people smoke in the county, costing thousands of lives every year and impacting some of the most at risk people in our communities, including older adults, those living with long-term health conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
For help to quit smoking, residents can get free, friendly support from Smokefree Hampshire – including one-to-one sessions and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Swap to Stop vape kits or stop smoking medications. To join for free, text QUIT to 80011 or visit the Smokefree Hampshire website: www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk