Northumberland smokers urged to quit this October with free support
People across Northumberland are being encouraged to stop smoking this October as a new campaign highlights more effective ways to quit.
Research shows confidence in quitting can be low and nearly half of smokers rely on willpower alone.
But, there is now a wider range of support and effective quit aids available to improve the chances of success.
There is already a strong appetite to quit smoking in the North East and around 46% of the region’s smokers tried to quit in 2025.
Gill O’Neill, Executive Director of Public Health, Stronger Communities and Inequalities at Northumberland County Council, said: "We’re delighted to be supporting Stoptober and are encouraging smokers across the county to make a quit attempt.
“The Stoptober campaign aims to show people the many benefits of quitting, so why not get involved - If you can make it 28 days smoke-free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.”
Regional programme for tobacco control, Fresh are encouraging residents to make a quit attempt to take advantage of the free support available.
Local stop smoking services offer free, personalised support from trained advisors who understand the challenges of quitting. They help develop a quit plan and support with the best quitting aids to ease the cravings – boosting your chance of success.
The free Smoke Free app is a digital stop smoking service that gives flexible support for people with busy lives. You can build your own tailored quit plan, track progress, see how much money you are saving, and receive support and motivation throughout the quit journey.
Nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, gum and lozenges, as well as stop smoking medications such as Varenicline and Cytisinicline to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Some are available for free through local stop smoking services.
Switching completely to vaping is still the most popular quitting aid and less harmful than smoking.
Cllr Eve Chicken, portfolio holder for Public Health at Northumberland County Council, said: “Quitting is one of the best things smokers can do for their health.
"It can be tough, but there are now more effective, free ways to quit in Northumberland than ever before.”