Public health officials back Stoptober

Public Health Liverpool is backing the national Stoptober campaign with a powerful local push to help residents quit smoking for good - and this year, there's more support than ever before.

Backed by Liverpool City Council and Smokefree Liverpool, the campaign will feature real-life stories from local people, including Jason Scott, 58, who quit smoking after more than 40 years. His story, along with others, will be shared across Facebook, Instagram, and Google, targeting communities most affected by smoking-related harm.

The campaign's message is one of motivation and hope: no matter how many times you've tried before, now is the perfect time to quit - and Liverpool has more quit support options than ever before.

Support That Works

Smokefree Liverpool offers a wide range of free support options, including:

• Face-to-face or telephone support with trained advisors
• Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches or gum
• Varenicline or a free vape to help manage cravings
• Access to a dedicated quit-smoking app
• Expert guidance every step of the way

Join the Stoptober Challenge

Sign up to quit smoking with Smokefree Liverpool between 22 September and 30 October and you could win a £40 Love2Shop voucher. To enter, stay smokefree for 28 days and verify your quit with a CO reading.

Quitting for 28 days makes you five times more likely to quit for good. The benefits start almost immediately:

• After 20 minutes: pulse returns to normal
• After 8 hours: oxygen levels recover
• After 48 hours: carbon monoxide levels drop to non-smoker levels
• After 72 hours: breathing becomes easier
• After 2-12 weeks: circulation improves
• And you could save around £230 in just 28 days

Get Involved

Visit https://www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk to sign up, or call 0151 374 2535 to get started. Whether it's your first attempt or your tenth, this Stoptober, it's well worth it.

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: "We've had huge success over the last couple of decades in reducing smoking rates in Liverpool but we have an ambition to make the city smoke free over the next few years.

"One of the key things is for people to never quit trying to quit, because eventually, with the right support, they will succeed."

Director of Public Health for Liverpool, Professor Matt Ashton, added: "Smoking remains one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and death in Liverpool.

"Stoptober is a fantastic opportunity for people to take that first step towards quitting, and this year we're making it easier than ever.

"With free expert support, nicotine replacement options, and inspiring local stories, we want every smoker in Liverpool to know - it's never too late to quit, and it's well worth it."

Jason Scott said: "I've smoked since I was 15, but after losing my mum and brother to smoking-related illnesses, I knew it was time to stop.

"With the support of Smokefree Liverpool, I've stayed strong and I'm proud to say I've quit. I hope my story helps others take that first step."