Stoptober 2026: Let’s quit smoking together
Stoptober is coming this October, and it could be the month you decide to stop smoking.
Every year, thousands of people take part in Stoptober. Millions of people have already used the campaign to help them quit smoking.
This year, the message is simple:
Let’s quit smoking together.
You don’t have to go it alone. Getting the right support can make quitting easier, and there are lots of ways to get help.
Why quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
The benefits start almost immediately after your last cigarette. Your body starts to repair itself, and your risk of serious health problems falls the longer you stay smoke-free.
And there is a useful target to aim for.
If you stay smoke-free for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good.
That’s why Stoptober is a great time to give quitting a try.
You don’t have to do it alone
You might have tried to quit before. You might have stopped for a while and then started again.
That’s OK.
It’s never too late to try again. Every attempt can help you learn what works for you, and getting the right support can improve your chances of quitting successfully.
Free support is available from NHS Better Health, including:
- the NHS Quit Smoking app, with daily support and tools to track your progress
- a Personal Quit Plan to help you work out which quitting methods could suit you
- advice about nicotine replacement products and other ways to manage cravings
- help finding your local Stop Smoking Service
Free local support in Newcastle
For people living in the city, Newcastle Stop Smoking Plus Service offers free, confidential support to help you quit.
You can get one-to-one or group support, along with help choosing the right treatment for you. The service can also support people who want to use a vape to help them stop smoking.
You can contact the service directly on 0191 269 1103, by email at newcastle.stopsmoking@cgl.org.uk or on the Newcastle Stop Smoking Plus Service website.
A smoke-free future
There is another reason why 2026 is an important year.
From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. This is part of the new law creating what is being described as a smoke-free generation.
For people who smoke now, support is available. You don’t have to wait for the law to change to make a change for yourself.
Start thinking about your quit date
You don’t have to wait until 1 October to start preparing.
Think about:
- why you want to stop
- when you usually smoke
- what situations make you want a cigarette
- what you could do instead
- what support could help you stay on track
Then, when October arrives, you’ll be ready to get started.
This Stoptober, let’s quit smoking together.
Find out more about quitting smoking and the support available on the NHS Better Health website.