Date published: 2026-02-02 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Focusing on prevention, Public Health
Research shows that people are three times more likely to quit smoking for good if they get support, so smokers in Bath and North East Somerset are being offered a host of free tools to help them quit as part of an ongoing initiative, 'Never Give Up Giving Up'.
The campaign led by Bath & North East Somerset Council, in partnership with Everyone Health, aims to encourage smokers to cut out cigarettes using free help including premium access to the Smoke Free app, vape starter kits and specialist support from B&NES local Stop Smoking Service.
Research has shown that quitting smoking will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked. You'll look better because more oxygen will be getting to your skin, making it look brighter, and your teeth will no longer be getting stained with tar. It can take as little as six weeks to start feeling the health benefits of stopping smoking – including mental health benefits.
Stopping smoking can also help protect those close to you because teenagers whose parents or caregivers smoke are four times as likely to take up smoking.
There is also a financial benefit: the average smoker can save around £49 a week by quitting smoking – more than £2,500 a year.
Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health and Prevention for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We have around 18,000 smokers in Bath and North East Somerset, but no matter how long you’ve smoked or how many times you’ve tried to quit before, our service can help you. As part of the Never Give up Giving Up initiative, we are offering different types of support to people who want to make 2026 the year they quit. People can choose the best option for them and they will be supported.”
You can find more information about the Bath & North East Somerset Stop Smoking service and the free support offered on the Everyone Health website. Alternatively, you can text QUIT to 60777, call freephone 0300 247 0050, or email eh.banes@nhs.net
You can download the premium version of the Smoke Free app at no cost, from the app store.
ENDS