Don’t give up on giving up - Every time you try to stop smoking, you’re a step closer to success

This No Smoking Day on Wednesday 9 March we are encouraging residents to try to stop smoking by highlighting the local and national support available. Make today the day for taking the first step on your quit journey

No matter how long you've smoked for, no matter how many cigarettes you smoke a day, your health will start to improve as soon as you quit. The sooner you stop the greater the health gains but whenever you stop your health will benefit.

Some health benefits are immediate, some are longer-term, but what matters is that it's never too late. When you stop smoking, your body starts to fix itself and you start doing so much more. With money tighter than ever you could have around £36 more in your pocket each week, so you can start saving.

You can pop in to see one of our trained local pharmacists and chat through your options to quit smoking, no appointment needed. They can offer free nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and behavioural support in-person or sometimes by phone. They know it can be hard to quit and can offer you the latest help to support you and are e-cigarette friendly. You can find a pharmacy on our stopping smoking pages.

Join the thousands of people who are stopping smoking on No Smoking Day. Councillor Ivan White Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Quitting smoking can feel like a big challenge, but you don’t have to do it alone, if you’re struggling, please contact our local support network or visit the national campaign website for lots of tips and support materials. Getting support really boosts your chances of quitting - you’re up to three times as likely to succeed.”

Find both national and local links to help to stop smoking on the Southampton City Council website. Pregnant women can get help from their midwife too. Search 'smokefree' to find support to make a quit attempt.