From saving thousands of pounds a year to boosting your health within days, the benefits of stopping smoking are immediate, and Richmond Council is helping residents take that first step. 

This October, as part of the nationwide Stoptober campaign, Richmond Council is helping residents quit smoking for good.

With free, tailored support from the borough's Stop Smoking Service – including one-to-one advice, vape starter kits, and nicotine replacement therapy – smokers are four times more likely to succeed.

 Over the past year alone, the service has helped more than 178 residents stub out the habit for good. 

Janet, who quit with the service's support, said: "The Stop Smoking Service advisor kept in regular contact and encouraged me.

"That simple message – 'I'm still here, I'm still rooting for you' – made it feel less like I was doing it alone.

"She helped me find a solution that worked for me and swapping from smoking to vaping was my lifeline. The less I smoked, the less I liked it, and my sense of smell and taste came back." 

The benefits of quitting start almost immediately: within three days, breathing and energy levels improve; within weeks, skin and circulation benefit; and within a year, the risk of heart attack is halved.

For many residents, stopping smoking could save around £285 a month – almost £3,500 a year – providing a significant financial boost, amid cost-of-living pressures. Quitting also protects loved ones from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. 

Councillor Piers Allen, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Public Health and Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board, said: "Becoming a smoke-free borough by 2030 is one of our key health and wellbeing priorities, and we want every resident who smokes to know that expert support and advice is there to help them to quit.

"This October is the perfect time to take the first step – and you don't have to do it alone." 

Throughout October, Stop Smoking Advisors will be out and about across the borough, including: 

• On the Health Bus offering advice and support 
• At the Civic Centre drop-in every Monday from 10am – 3pm 
• Co-hosting stalls with St George's NHS Trust and Springfield Hospital 
• At the Full of Life Fair for older residents at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on 24 October 

 Residents can access support by: 

• Exploring available services on the Council website 
• Filling in a simple contact form 
• Calling the free 24/7 advice line on 0800 011 4558 
• Emailing [email protected]