When you stop smoking, good things happen

Over 5 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the biggest behavioural cause of preventable illness and death, with 64,000 deaths a year. 

Smoking tobacco damages the lungs, weakens the immune system and causes a range of severe respiratory problems. 

But the good news is that no matter how long you’ve been smoking it’s never too late to see health benefits of stopping. 95% ex-smokers saw positive changes in their life soon after quitting. 

There are financial benefits too. On average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco, so they could save £2,000 a year if they stopped.

Research shows that if you can make it to 28 days smoke free, you're five times more likely to quit for good. That’s why this year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging smokers to join the thousands of others who are committing to quitting for the month of October.

Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board, said: “The life expectancy of a smoker is around 10 years shorter than a non-smoker, but the good news is that the benefits of stopping start immediately.

“Quitting smoking quickly improves your circulation and breathing and reduces your risks of other health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

“Even if you've tried before and didn't manage, don't give up on quitting. Many smokers try several times before they succeed, but getting the right support gives you a much better chance of success.

“The council’s dedicated health trainer service can help you through your quit attempt with expert advice and medication to deal with cravings.”

Get the help you need to quit this Stoptober

If you’d like to quit, there's plenty of support available during Stoptober and beyond from the council’s Healthy Lifestyle Team.

Health Trainers provide individual support to smokers who are ready to quit, with up to twelve weeks of appointments, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum, patches etc) and motivation to keep you on track. This service is free, confidential and open to all adults living and or working in Brighton & Hove. 

You can attend a free drop-in session for information and advice on stopping smoking, carbon monoxide testing and blood pressure checking. There’s also a shopping voucher available for people setting a quit date in October and achieving a 4-week quit!

  • Thursday 5 October, 10am to 4pm, University of Sussex Community Safety Event 2023, Library Square          
  • Friday 6 October, 11.30am to 2pm, Lunch Positive, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church 
  • Tuesday 10 October, 11.30am to 3.30pm, Part of Ageing Well Festival at Lunch Positive, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church 
  • Saturday 14 October, 10.30am to 1pm, Being Well in the West (Hangleton & Knoll Project event), St Richards Community Centre, Hangleton 
  • Tuesday 24 October, 11am to 3pm, Brighton Unemployment Centre Families Project, 6 Tilbury Place, BN2 0GY 
  • Wednesday 25 October, 2pm to 5pm Jubilee Library 

More advice and support

If you’d like more information on giving up smoking, please:

  • Contact your GP surgery
  • Visit your local pharmacist

Find out more about local stop smoking services on the council’s website or call 01273 294589.

You can also look at national advice and support:

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