Thousands in Brighton & Hove set quit date in time for No Smoking Day

New estimates show that almost 3,000 local residents set quit dates or started quit attempts in the last three months. 

The findings come from an independent evaluation of the South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) “Quit Smoking, Feel Happier” campaign, which highlighted how smoking disrupts dopamine in the brain, increasing stress, and showed how quitting allows the brain to rebalance within weeks. 

The SESA, representing 18 local authorities including Brighton & Hove City Council, ran the campaign from Boxing Day to 8 February across the region.

 Additionally, our latest data shows the number of people who asked for help from the Smokefree service more than doubled year-on-year from October to December, reflecting a surge in residents taking steps to break free from their addiction to smoking. 

In Brighton & Hove, the results have been described as “incredibly encouraging” and is positive news on National No Smoking Day (11 March). 

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Seeing almost 3,000 residents take steps towards quitting is really encouraging and shows what can be achieved when evidence-based public health messages are communicated in an accessible way. 

“Quitting smoking improves mental wellbeing, reduces stress and helps people feel happier and healthier in their daily lives. We are proud to support a campaign that is already making such a positive difference for individuals, families and communities across our city.” 

Across the South East, an estimated 168,000 people who smoke were expected to make a quit attempt, set a quit date or seek support after seeing the campaign. 

Dr Sarah Milne, Lead of the South East Smokefree Alliance, said the response from Brighton & Hove residents shows how powerful the brain science message has been. 

She said: “Smokers around the world believe their habit relieves stress, but the reverse is true. Smoking dysregulates dopamine receptors and promotes stress. This impacts the brain’s natural production of happy hormones and creates a dreadful cycle.

 “Explaining how quitting for good can alleviate stress and increase happiness really hit home. People kept telling us it gave them a lightbulb moment. We are thrilled to be helping people make one of the most important decisions they will ever make for their health and wellbeing.” 

With smoking still a leading cause of preventable illness and early death, the council and SESA hope these results will help accelerate progress towards a smokefree future. 

Quitting reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and respiratory illness and can transform a person’s quality of life within weeks. 

You can watch the campaign films and access free local support to quit on the SESA's Quit Together Live Better website.