Over 5 million adults in England and 11% in the North East still smoke – around 233,000 people. Smoking kills 2 out of 3 lifelong smokers, killing 75,000 people in England a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.
The health benefits of quitting smoking start almost immediately. Evidence shows that for people quitting during Stoptober, if you quit smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good (1).
2025 is the 25 Year Anniversary for Stop Smoking Services in England – with services supporting around 400,000 successful quit attempts in the North East since the year 2000. With stop smoking service support, people are three times more likely to quit smoking than going it alone without any quitting support (2).
A new independent survey of current NE smokers shows high motivation to quit smoking – but it also suggests thousands more smokers could benefit from quitting aids and local stop smoking support to make a successful quit (2):
- 71% feel that their life would be much better if they stopped smoking
- Nearly half (46%) want to stop smoking and 64% have tried to stop before
- 6/10 (59%) did not use any quitting aids or support during previous quit attempts
Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: “Stoptober is a brilliant chance to make a quit attempt at a time when you know loads of other people are trying as well. By the end of the month, you will have improved your health and saved money.
“There are more effective ways than ever before to help you quit smoking. Many people try with just willpower alone, but getting support can make your willpower go even further. Whether that’s switching to a vape, using quit smoking medication or help from a stop smoking advisor these can help you ease the cravings to put smoking behind you.
“The more times you try to quit, the more chance you will succeed.”
Councillor Joan Walker said, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing: “Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps anyone can take to improve their health and wellbeing. While it is not always easy, with the right support and determination, it is absolutely achievable.
“It’s never too late to quit. Regardless of age or how long you have smoked, the benefits to your health begin almost immediately. Our free Stop Smoking Service offers expert advice, practical tools and personalised support to help you quit – and it significantly increases your changes of stopping for good.
“Stoptober is a great time to take that first step. Whether you’ve tried before or are thinking about quitting for the first time, I strongly encourage you to make use of the free help available.”
Trained stop smoking advisors can help you come up with a tailored plan to stop smoking, with support by telephone or in person, and the most appropriate treatment for you. For more information, call 0191 643 3737 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm), email stopsmoking@northtyneside.gov.uk or fill in the form on our website Quitting smoking | North Tyneside Council
TIPS
It can take a number of attempts to successfully stop for good - but there are lots of ways to stop which can take a lot of the stress out of quitting.
Your chances improve if you use a quitting aid or switch completely to vaping to reduce cravings. Stop Smoking Services can also help you develop a plan to help you stop for good.
Here’s how your body recovers when you quit
After 20 minutes
Your pulse rate starts to return to normal.
After 8 hours
Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the level of harmful carbon monoxide in your blood will have reduced by half.
After 48 hours
All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
After 72 hours
If you notice that breathing feels easier, it's because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Your energy will also be increasing.
After 2-12 weeks
Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.
After 6 weeks
Smokers who stop have better mental health than those who continue to smoke. One study found that benefits could be seen as soon as six weeks and were maintained even a number of years after stopping.
After 3-9 months
Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases.
After 1 year
Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker's.
After 10 years
Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker's.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
References
2: Stop smoking services: increased chances of quitting https://www.ncsct.co.uk/publications/Stop_smoking_services_impact_on_quitting
3: Independent face to face survey of 827 people who smoke in the North East by Bluegrass