Smoke-Free South Tees
Quick Links: Help to Quit Smoking | Why Quit Smoking | Quick Tips
Start your journey towards a healthier, happier, smoke-free you
Stopping smoking or vaping is one of the best things you can do for your health, your finances, and the people you care about.
We understand that quitting isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Getting support from your local Stop Smoking Service can make a big difference. In fact, people who get support are four times more likely to quit for good.
Our friendly and experienced Stop Smoking Advisors are here to help. They’ve supported lots of people across South Tees to stop smoking, and they’re ready to support you too - no pressure, just practical help and encouragement.
To access free support, you must live in either Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland.
Get started with our Stop Smoking Service today, call us on 01642 727579.
Looking to quit? Explore the different options below to see what we can offer you
Thinking about quitting smoking?
In England, more than 8 million people still smoke.
Smoking is the biggest cause of early death, with around 78,000 people dying each year from smoking-related illnesses.
In the North East, around 15 people die every day because of smoking. For every person who dies, 20 more are living with long-term health problems like COPD.
Smoking also costs the NHS billions of pounds. Breathing in second-hand smoke can harm the health of others, especially children.
The good news is that you can stop smoking, and support is available to help you.
Public Health South Tees offers a free Stop Smoking Service. You can get expert advice, support, and treatments to help you quit for good.
What are the benefits of quitting?
-
Your body starts to heal the moment you stop smoking.
As soon as you stop smoking, your body begins to repair itself, and the health benefits don’t stop there - they carry on for the rest of your life.
You’ll start to breathe easier, feel better, and reduce your risk of serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease and lung disease.
-
Smoking doesn’t just harm your health, it can change how you look too. It can make your skin look older, cause wrinkles, stain your teeth and gums, and turn your fingers yellow.
Stopping smoking can help your skin look brighter and your smile healthier.
-
When you stop smoking, your sense of smell and taste start to come back. You’ll begin to notice flavours and smells more, and many people say food tastes better than ever.
-
Smoking is expensive. If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, it could cost you over £72,000 over the next 20 years.
Imagine what you could do with that money instead - a new car, holidays, helping your family, or just having more money in your pocket.
-
When you stop smoking, your energy levels start to improve quickly. You might find it easier to breathe, walk, exercise or just get through the day without feeling as tired.
-
When you stop smoking, many people feel less anxious, less stressed and more in control. Over time, your mood can lift and you may start to feel calmer and more positive.
-
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones. It helps protect them from secondhand smoke, which can harm their health, especially children.
If you’re planning a family, quitting can also improve your fertility and increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
-
You’re more likely to quit with support.
Getting help from a trained Stop Smoking Advisor can make you three times more likely to quit for good.
Don’t worry, getting help doesn’t mean sitting in a group or being judged.
Most people see their advisor one-to-one, and we can also support you by phone, text or email - whatever works best for you.
-
Your Stop Smoking Advisor will talk to you about all the ways we can help you quit. Together, you’ll make a plan that works for you.
This includes choosing a quit date, talking about medication, and finding ways to deal with cravings or tricky moments.
-
Don’t worry! Your advisor is not here to tell you off. They’re here to support you, not judge you.
Stopping smoking can be hard, and it’s normal to have ups and downs. If you do have a slip-up, your advisor will help you get back on track.
-
There are medicines that can make quitting easier by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but they work best when used properly.
Your advisor will explain all the different options and help you choose what’s right for you. They can also give you a prescription or a voucher so you can get them for free or at a lower cost.
-
We’re vape friendly and support people who want to use a vape to help them stop smoking.
Your advisor will chat with you about whether a vape could be a good option for you. If it is, we can even give you a free vape starter kit to help you get going.
Vaping is much safer than smoking, about 95% safe, because you’re not breathing in tar or carbon monoxide.
Quick tips to get started
Thinking about quitting? You’re not alone.
We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions people ask before they stop smoking. This is so you know what to expect and how our Smoke-Free South Tees team can support you every step of the way.