Stoptober 2025
Welcome to our Stoptober special edition!
This October, thousands across the country will be taking part in Stoptober - the national 28-day stop-smoking challenge.
If you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you're five times more likely to quit for good.
Whether you're thinking about quitting, already on your journey, or supporting someone else, this special edition of our newsletter is packed with tools, tips, and local support to help you succeed.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, your wallet, and your future, and there's never been a better time to start.
 Let’s quit smoking together!
Stoptober is back, and we're inviting smokers in Devon to join the thousands of others in the county who have already quit!
If you live in Devon and currently smoke, you could be eligible for FREE support. It's easy to get started and we will be there throughout your journey to help you stop smoking for good.
Even if it’s your first time or you’ve tried before, now is the perfect time to quit smoking. Make it to 28 days smoke-free and you’re five times more likely to quit for good.
There’s no need to go it alone, we've got your back, and by taking part in Stoptober, with free tools, advice and support, quitting is easier than you think, and you're more likely to succeed.
 Why quit?
Smoking harms nearly every organ in your body. It increases your risk of:
- heart disease and stroke
- lung cancer and other cancers
- respiratory conditions like COPD
- fertility problems and pregnancy complications
The good news? The body starts to heal within hours of quitting. Find out more about how smoking impacts your body
From your health and your mood, to your finances and your friends, smoking can have a bigger impact than you think.
Smoking doesn’t just cost your health, it hits your wallet too. On average, a smoker in the UK spends over £2,000 a year on cigarettes. Quitting could mean more money for food, bills, holidays, or treating yourself to something special. Find out more about how smoking impacts your finances.
When you quit smoking, good things start to happen. You'll feel healthier and save money, almost immediately.
Ready to quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is easier when you have a plan and the right support.
Many people try to quit with willpower alone, but going cold turkey, without any extra help like nicotine replacement products or nicotine-free medicines, can be tough, because your body may have become dependent on nicotine over time.
By preparing ahead and using stop-smoking products or getting expert help, you can really boost your chances of quitting for good.
Start by creating a personalised quit plan and get practical tips to stay on track through the tough moments.
Our free stop smoking service, Stop For Life Devon can help you stop smoking for good.
Working with one of our expert coaches, through a personalised programme, we will help you to manage cravings and tackle temptations. Our coaches will support you as much or as little as you want, over the phone, in person or by video chat.
We offer:
- free, confidential support from trained advisors
- one-to-one sessions, in person or online
- access to stop smoking medications including vapes and NRT.
- a dedicated app to track your progress
Whether it’s your first attempt or your fifth, they’re here to help you quit for good.
Smokers in Devon can get 24/7 stop smoking support at the touch of a button with the Smoke Free app.
Use it to get expert, personalised support to crush your cravings, set goals to keep motivated, monitor health improvements and money saved.
It's designed to help you quit smoking step by step with:
- daily support and motivation
- progress tracking and health benefits
- craving-busting tips and distraction tools
- a savings calculator to show how much you're saving
If you live in the Devon County Council area, you’ll receive full access to all premium features in the app free for six months, usually worth £60! (T&Cs apply)
Download it today and start your journey to a healthier, smoke-free life!
The national 'Swap to Stop' scheme offers a free vape starter kit and expert support to help you quit for good. If you live in Devon and want to switch to vaping as a step toward quitting, please contact Stop for Life Devon, our stop smoking service.
Vaping is considered to be significantly less harmful than smoking as it avoids the toxic by-products of combustion found in cigarettes, and can be an effective step towards a smoke-free life. You can find out more about vaping to quit smoking on the NHS website.
-
Pharmacies offer stop-smoking schemes with tailored advice and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to help you quit.
-
Your GP can prescribe nicotine-free medicines. When you combine this medicine with NRTs, you are over 5 times more likely to quit smoking for good!
-
Call the National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 to talk to a trained adviser for advice and support. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and from 11am to 4pm at the weekend.
Don’t be afraid to ask. Help is closer than you think.
To find your nearest pharmacy or GP offering stop smoking support, visit the Smoke Free Devon website.
Quitting smoking can be tough, but using the right products can make it easier.
These products help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving you a better chance to stay smoke free.
Visit the NHS website for more information about some of the best stop-smoking products and why combining them can increase your chances of quitting for good.
Quitting smoking isn’t just about stopping, it’s about thriving. Here’s how the Five Ways to Wellbeing can support your journey:
-
Connect: Talk to others who are quitting or join a support group.
-
Be active: Exercise helps reduce cravings and boosts mood.
-
Take notice: Be mindful of your triggers and celebrate small wins.
-
Keep learning: Learn new coping strategies or try a hobby to distract from cravings.
-
Give: Support others who are quitting, it helps you stay motivated too.
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life.
Smoking when you are pregnant increases the risk of complications like premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It also restricts oxygen to your baby, making their heart work harder and affecting growth and development.
If your partner or anyone else who lives with you smokes, their smoke can affect you and your baby before and after their birth. You may also find it more difficult to stop if someone around you smokes.
Stopping smoking in pregnancy will also help your baby later in life. Children whose parents smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma and other serious illnesses that may need hospital treatment.
It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it's never too late to quit.
Smoking is an expensive habit, and some people turn to illegal tobacco and unregulated vapes because they’re cheaper, but the risks are high.
These products are sold without safety checks, can contain dangerous chemicals and are often linked to organised crime.
Quitting smoking not only protects your health and finances, but also helps reduce demand for unsafe, unregulated, illegal products.
 You are stronger than your habit!
Smoking harms your health, costs money, and hurts those around you. Quitting can change all of that.
Every cigarette you refuse is a step toward better health, more energy, and more money in your pocket.
You can protect your friends and family and give yourself a better future. It is never too late to quit, and every small effort makes a difference!
You've quit smoking! That's great news! Now, with a solid plan and the right support, you can manage cravings, handle triggers and avoid relapsing.
The NHS website has useful guides for practical tips to help you stay strong, keep going and remain smoke free.
"Having an initial face-to-face meeting, followed by phone calls, has been the perfect way to approach my quit journey. It allowed me to solidify my approach and avoided dehumanising the experience.
"Being able to do things at my own pace, without any pressure or discouragement, has been marvellous - I wouldn’t have lasted three months if the approach had been different.
"I’m incredibly grateful to both you and your organisation. What you provide benefits so many people, and I can’t express how thankful I am to be one of them."
Three months smoke-free and going strong! Well done!
|
