The start of a new year is the perfect time to take control of your health and make a positive change. This January, the NHS is launching its New Year Quit Smoking Campaign, encouraging the nation’s six million smokers to make a quit attempt and start 2025 smoke-free.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, claiming around 80,000 lives annually in the UK. It is responsible for one in four cancer deaths in England and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users. Yet, the good news is that it’s never too late to quit, and there’s an abundance of support to help you succeed this year.
Why Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. From the moment you stop, your body begins to repair itself:
- Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- After 48 hours, your sense of taste and smell start to improve.
- Within three months, your lung function increases, making it easier to breathe.
- Over time, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer significantly decreases.
And the benefits aren’t just physical. By quitting smoking, the average smoker can save approximately £2,500 per year – imagine what you could do with that extra money!
Free NHS Support to Help You Quit
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The NHS offers a range of free resources to guide you every step of the way:
1. NHS Quit Smoking App
The free app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, provides a 28-day quit programme to help you track your progress, see how much money you’re saving, and get daily support to keep you motivated.
2. Personal Quit Plan
Not sure where to start? Answer a few simple questions to receive a personalised quit plan tailored to your needs. This tool offers practical tips and advice to support your quit journey.
3. Daily Email Support
Sign up for daily emails packed with tips and advice to help you stay on track during your first 28 days and beyond.
4. Local Stop Smoking Services
Access expert support from your local stop smoking service, proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully. Many services now offer free vape starter kits as part of their support.
5. Facebook Quit Smoking Support Group
Join a community of over 37,000 members sharing tips, encouragement, and support in a friendly online environment.
6. Information on Vaping
The NHS Better Health website provides clear, evidence-based advice on how vaping can help you quit smoking, along with a new “vaping myth buster” section.
Make 2025 the Year You Quit for Good
Quitting smoking is a journey, but with the right support, you can do it. Whether it’s downloading the NHS Quit Smoking app, joining a local service, or finding motivation in the Facebook support group, there are plenty of tools to help you stay on track.
Take the first step today by visiting the NHS Better Health Quit Smoking page at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking. With the right plan and support, 2025 could be your healthiest year yet.