As we enter the new year, for many smokers, one resolution will be at the front of their minds – quitting smoking for good.
That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on 2 new initiatives, which we hope will make your next attempt the best one yet.
This January, Ealing Council is backing the 5 for 2025 campaign from Stop Smoking London.
The message is simple: start your year strong and quit smoking for January. If you make it through the month without smoking, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good, taking another step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Top tips
Preparation is everything, which is why Stop Smoking London is sharing 5 key tips to help you fully prepare to make 2024 the year you become smokefree:
- make a list of your reasons for quitting
- use free services and stop smoking aids
- pick your quit date
- get support in place
- be prepared for triggers
In addition to the 5 for 2025 campaign, smokers across London are being given 6 months’ free access to the premium version of the Smoke Free app, courtesy of Stop Smoking London.
The app, which has already supported thousands of people quit smoking in the UK, includes proven tools to help you, such as quit missions, group support, games with merit badges and information on the financial benefits of quitting.
As well as all the regular features of the app, there will be access to 24/7 real time support and 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or vapes– delivered to your door, at no extra cost.
This is a limited time offer, so if you feel this offer would support you to quit smoking don’t hesitate to download the app and discover how it can help you.
‘I know how hard it is’
Councillor Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said: “This January, Ealing Council is pleased to be supporting the 5 to 2025 Stop Smoking campaign.
“As a former smoker, I know how hard it is to take that first step, but the 5 for 2025 campaign provides five easy tips to support you on your journey.
“This year we’re starting as we mean to go on, giving residents the best tools to quit smoking for good.”
Last year, Ealing Community Partners including West London NHS Trust and the council started the Ealing Smokefree Service to provide greater support for residents.
The service accepts self-referrals and has trained tobacco dependence specialists to help residents tackle the habit, using a variety of behavioural change techniques and NRT.
‘Here to support you’
Katerina Manginas, service manager of Ealing Smokefree Service, said: “We know how hard it can be to quit smoking, which is why Ealing Smokefree Service is here to support you.
“We offer 8 weeks of free behavioural support aimed at identifying your smoking triggers and building healthier coping mechanisms.
“We have trained advisors who will work with you to create your stop smoking plan and we offer tools like NRT and a Swap to Stop scheme offering vapes to help transition away from cigarettes.”
Support
To self-refer for the Ealing Smokefree Service, visit the West London NHS Trust website.
Download the Smoke Free app and gain access to the premium version.
To find out more about the 5 for 2025 campaign, visit the Stop Smoking London website.
Stop Smoking London is part of the London-wide public health programme – The London Tobacco Alliance (LTA).
The LTA is leading a campaign to support London to become the first smoke free city in England by 2030 by helping to change smoking behaviours and encouraging residents to quit smoking once and for all.
