Date published: 2025-09-16 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Focusing on prevention, Public Health
Smokers in Bath and North East Somerset are being urged to get support to quit smoking this Stoptober.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is offering free premium features of the Smoke Free app, free vape starter kits and free friendly support from the local stop smoking service.
Stoptober is the Department of Health and Social Care’s annual mass-participation stop smoking campaign, based on evidence that if a smoker makes it to 28 days smoke-free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
Donna, who works as a cleaner at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, stopped smoking 18 months ago with the help of the Swap to Stop scheme which offers a free vape starter kit to smokers aged 18 and over who want to try vaping to quit.
Donna said: “I started smoking 50 years ago when I was 14 and had given up before but always fallen off the wagon. I’ve been smoke free for 18 months and now I don’t get out of breath when I’m walking, I no longer smell like an ashtray, and I also have a lot more money in my bank. I am altogether healthier, and I am proud of what I have achieved.
“I signed up to the Swap to Stop programme to help me quit. The benefit of Swap to Stop is that you can take as long as you need and it’s easier because you still get the nicotine hit without all the other elements. My advice is to take it one day at a time and buy yourself a treat with the money you have saved - you’ve earned it.”
Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health and Prevention, said: “While smoking rates have declined in recent years, more than five million people in England still smoke and it remains the single biggest cause of preventable ill health and death.
“Even if you’ve tried quitting before, Stoptober is the perfect time to try again. There’s no need to go it alone. It’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there’s lots of options for you to choose from.”
Smokers who are ready to quit now or are thinking about it have many different ways of getting support:
- Download the Smoke Free app which offers 24/7 support, motivation and exclusive content to help every step of the way. Bath & North East Somerset Council has partnered with Smoke Free to offer residents full access to the app for free in time for Stoptober.
- Email eh.swaptostopbanes@nhs.net to sign up to Swap to Stop and receive a free vape starter kit
- Talk to the local stop smoking team by calling freephone 0300 247 0050 or by emailing EH.banes@nhs.net for free advice and support at no cost. This service is provided by the council’s partner, Everyone Health.
- Talk to the GP about the support they offer
For more information, visit the Livewell smoking and vaping page.
Get support for health and wellbeing on the council website.
ENDS