Every October, thousands of people across the UK take part in Stoptober — a national campaign that encourages smokers to quit for 28 days, with the aim of giving up for good. At TrustBridge Care, we’re passionate about helping people live healthier, longer and happier lives, so we’re proud to support this important public health initiative.
What is Stoptober?
Stoptober was launched by Public Health England (now part of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) in 2012 to motivate smokers to quit during October. The campaign is based on the insight that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.
Each year, the campaign provides free support, resources and encouragement — from stop smoking apps to personal quit plans — helping thousands take their first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Smoking in Numbers
Despite progress in reducing smoking rates, it remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in the UK.
Here are some sobering statistics:
- Around 6.4 million adults in the UK still smoke.
- Smoking causes approximately 78,000 deaths each year in the UK.
- It is linked to more than 50 serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and multiple cancers.
- The NHS estimates that smoking costs the UK healthcare system over £2.4 billion annually.
- Those exposed to second-hand smoke are also at risk — particularly children and vulnerable adults.
How Smoking Affects Your Health
Smoking impacts nearly every organ in the body. Some of the most common effects include:
- Lung damage – leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
- Heart and circulation problems – including coronary heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
- Weakened immune system – making it harder to fight infections and heal wounds.
- Premature ageing – smoking reduces blood flow, leading to dull skin and early wrinkles.
- Reduced respiratory function – causing breathlessness and fatigue.
Even occasional smoking can have lasting health impacts, but the good news is that it’s never too late to quit. Your body begins to repair itself within hours of stopping.
Tips and Tricks to Help You Quit
If you or someone you know is thinking about quitting this Stoptober, here are a few tried-and-tested methods to help:
- Set a clear quit date – mark it on your calendar and prepare for it.
- Use nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) – such as patches, gum, or lozenges to manage cravings.
- Try a stop-smoking app – like the NHS Quit Smoking app, which tracks progress and offers daily motivation.
- Seek professional support – your GP or local stop smoking service can provide free, personalised advice.
- Avoid triggers – identify situations where you’re likely to crave a cigarette and plan alternatives.
- Stay busy – exercise, chew gum, or take short walks to distract yourself from cravings.
- Reward yourself – celebrate milestones and track how much money you’ve saved since quitting.
Remember: every attempt to quit is a step closer to success.
Why TrustBridge Care Supports Stoptober
At TrustBridge Care, our mission goes beyond providing quality domiciliary care — we’re here to support overall wellbeing. Many of the individuals we care for are affected by smoking-related illnesses, and we see firsthand how quitting can dramatically improve health, mobility and quality of life.
By raising awareness during Stoptober, we hope to empower our clients, carers, and community to make positive lifestyle changes and take control of their health. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but with the right support and determination, it’s absolutely achievable.
Closing Thoughts
This Stoptober, join us in spreading the message: it’s never too late to stop smoking. Every cigarette not smoked is a step towards better health — for you and those around you.
If you or someone you know is thinking of quitting, visit the NHS Stoptober website or contact your local stop smoking service for free, confidential support.
Together, we can create a smoke-free future.