It’s not too late to go smokefree this Stoptober

Hampshire County Council and Smokefree Hampshire are also reminding those who have not yet joined Stoptober, the national stop smoking campaign, that there is still time to make a quit attempt.

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death, and stopping smoking brings almost immediate health benefits, with improvements continuing over the weeks, months and years that follow.

While the first few weeks can often be the most challenging, specialist support can make a significant difference. Smokefree Hampshire offers free personalised support from trained advisers, helping people manage cravings, stay motivated and increase their chances of quitting successfully.

“Stopping smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health, no matter their age or how long they have smoked. The benefits start sooner than many people realise and continue to grow over time,” said Councillor Joanne Burton, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, Hampshire County Council.

“We want to encourage people taking part in Stoptober to keep going and make use of the support available around them as this can really improve their chances of quitting in the longer term. At the same time, we urge anyone who has been thinking about quitting but hasn’t yet taken the first step to remember that it’s never too late to stop smoking. Every quit attempt is worthwhile, and with the right support many more people can achieve a smokefree future.”

Leighton Atchison-Warne, Head of Service, Smokefree Hampshire, added: “If you’ve reached the halfway point of Stoptober, that’s a fantastic achievement and something to be proud of. We know quitting smoking isn’t easy, but every smokefree day is a positive step for your health, wellbeing and finances.

“It’s important to remember that a difficult day or a slip-up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Many people make several attempts before quitting for good. The key thing is to keep going and seek support when you need it. And for anyone who hasn’t started yet, it’s not too late. Support is available to help you take that first step and every step along the way.”

Around 8.1 per cent of adults in Hampshire smoke, equivalent to just over 82,000 people, and the campaign aims to help more people take the first step towards a smokefree future.