Smokers across the borough are being encouraged to take part in this year’s national Stoptober campaign and make October the month they quit smoking for good.
Stoptober challenges people to go 28 days smoke-free from 1 October, with research showing that those who quit for 4 weeks are 5 times more likely to stop for good.
Councillor Polly Knewstub Ealing Council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives is a former smoker herself. She said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. It lowers your risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke, and improves your mental wellbeing. It also protects your loved ones from second-hand smoke and saves you money.”
She added: “I know how hard it can be, and I’ve been there myself. But with the right support, it’s possible. And that support is available right here in the borough.”
Meet the team
The Ealing Smokefree Service offers free, tailored support to help residents quit smoking. This includes free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – such as patches, gum or lozenges – as well as access to free vape starter kits for those who want to try vaping as a less harmful alternative. Vaping, when combined with expert behavioural support, is one of the most effective ways to stop smoking.
This October, the service is running outreach events at Tesco Express in Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre to help residents get started. The next event will take place on Thursday 23 October from 10am to 4pm.
The theme of this year’s campaign’s is: ‘Let’s quit together’.
Advisors will be on hand to offer referrals to the smokefree team and to community pharmacies across the borough, where trained staff can provide stop smoking advice and access to medications like nicotine patches and gum.
‘The right mindset‘
Residents can also download the London Smoke Free App, which offers 24/7 access to a trained advisor, stop smoking medications delivered to your door, and access to free Swap-to-Stop vape kits for over-18s.
The Ealing Smokefree Service recently supported Eileen, a local resident who had smoked up to 40 cigarettes a day for over 30 years. With the help of a vape and nicotine patches, she quit smoking in August. Her carbon monoxide levels have dropped dramatically, and she’s now inspiring others to start their own quit journeys.
“You need the right mindset,” Eileen said. “I always thought I didn’t have willpower, but now I know I have more than I ever gave myself credit for.”
To find out more or sign up for support, visit the West London NHS website.
