Employers invited to back staff to quit smoking this Stoptober

This October, we are inviting local businesses and organisations to help their employees quit smoking by encouraging colleagues to check in and support each other on their quit journeys.

National campaign Stoptober – now in its 13th year – aims to empower people to give up smoking during October, as evidence shows people are 5 times more likely to quit for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke-free.

The council’s Stop Smoking Service is sharing a Stop Smoking Toolkit to give employees who smoke the tools to run daily or weekly check-in sessions, providing suggested questions to discuss and tips for managing cravings.

Increase your chances

Research shows that people who take part in group support are significantly more likely to quit successfully.

We have introduced the stop smoking initiative for our employees, giving line managers discretion to find time for check-ins, as operational requirements vary across our teams.

If it isn’t feasible for multiple team members to take time for a check-in, employees are encouraged to meet before or after work, during a lunch break or in place of smoking breaks.

Alternatively, there are other support resources available, including our Stop Smoking Service, local pharmacies and NHS stop smoking app and resources.

It’s Well Worth It

The toolkit has been developed as part of our It’s Well Worth It campaign, which aims to emphasise the health, wellbeing and financial benefits of quitting smoking, such as:

• After 48 hours, your sense of smell and taste will start improving
• Other benefits will follow, including better blood circulation to your heart and muscles, which will make physical activity easier, and improved lung function
• Every week you can save around £38 – that’s close to £2,000 a year

As part of the campaign, local Brighton & Hove residents who have successfully quit have shared their stories in a video series to inspire others to take the first step.

Mike, 58, has lived with leukaemia for 12 years, and after a cancer diagnosis last year, he knew it was time to give himself the best possible chance. Since quitting smoking, he’s felt the benefits quickly. His lungs feel stronger and cleaner, and he has more energy to enjoy everyday life without becoming worn out.

Tomas, 45, knows first-hand the challenges and triumphs of quitting smoking. Through dedicated support, he learned how to overcome cravings and reclaim control over his health. After just two to three weeks smoke-free, Tomas noticed remarkable changes, he stopped coughing, slept better, felt physically fitter, and even regained a sharper sense of taste.

Felix, 29, has noticed huge changes: his mood has lifted, his health has improved, and he has more energy than ever. His advice to others is not to see quitting as something overwhelming. It’s possible, and persistence pays off.

Simon, Stop Smoking Advisor at our Stop Smoking Service, helps people find the right tools to succeed. With behavioural support to manage triggers and safe replacements for cigarettes, he makes sure no one has to face the journey alone.

Positive change

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Quitting smoking is life-changing - for your health, your family and your wallet. Stoptober is the perfect time to take that first step, and our local stop smoking services are here to help you.

“We are proud to share the voices of Brighton & Hove residents who have made that positive change, and we hope they inspire many more people to quit. Their experiences show that, no matter how long someone has smoked, it is possible to quit and feel the benefits.

“I started smoking at the age of 14 and, after several attempts, finally kicked the addiction in my late 20s. Ten years later, I developed and overcame leukaemia, and this summer I underwent and successfully recovered from open-heart surgery. I believe that if I had still been a smoker, I would not have survived the dramatic treatments I’ve had. I honestly believe I’m still here today because I took the plunge and quit.”

According to Health Counts 2024, 17% of adults in Brighton & Hove currently smoke – either occasionally (7%) or daily (10%).

Quit for good

Find out more information about support from the Healthy Lifestyles Team and local pharmacies, including free vapes, gum, patches and 1-to-1 expert advice.