Southampton’s Director of Public Health, Dr Debbie Chase, has published her latest annual report, which this year focuses on reducing tobacco and alcohol harm as part of the council’s commitment to making Southampton a healthier, more equal city.

The report highlights the help available, with real life, heartfelt and hopeful stories.

Cassie, who started her stop smoking journey in 2024, says stopping smoking wasn’t easy, but that finding the courage to speak to someone at her local stop smoking service, delivered by Southampton Smokefree Solutions, “changed everything”.

“The one-to-one support I got was incredible. I could talk openly, cry if I needed to, and admit when I was struggling. Since quitting, I feel healthier. My asthma’s improved, and I don’t worry about holding [her son] with smoke on my clothes or breath.”

Paul, whose name has been changed to protect his confidentiality, shares his story of recovery from alcohol problems.

“For years, I lived in a cycle that robbed me of my health, my dignity, and my ability to be present for the people I love. When I finally mustered the courage to walk into Change Grow Live (CGL), they didn’t just offer me support, they also gave me a lifeline. They saw me as a person, not a problem. They gave me tools to cope with the changes [of stopping drinking], have structure, and hope for a future.”

Dr Chase’s report sets out five steps which residents and local leaders can take:

For residents:

1. Reach out for support: If you smoke or drink more than 14 units per week, it’s important to get help to stop or cut down. Visit the health section on the Southampton City Council website for expert, local support.
2. Support people around you to be smokefree and to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.

For organisations and leaders:

3. Strengthen the tobacco and alcohol support in your organisation for your staff, clients or patients, volunteers and visitors.
4. Don’t leave any groups of people behind: tailor support services for those at higher risk and who may find it harder to get help.
5. Learn from people with lived experience and keep listening and learning to understand what works.

Dr Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health at Southampton City Council said: “As Director of Public Health, I’ve seen how tobacco and alcohol can deeply affect individuals, families, communities, and our city. This year’s report is different to the way previous years’ reports have been presented. It shares important data but the emphasis here is on providing a platform for the inspiring voices of seven people who have made remarkable changes in their lives.

I want these stories to challenge our assumptions, inspire our actions, and remind us that addiction is not a choice but usually a response to trauma, stress and inequality. Most people who smoke or who drink a lot also face other difficulties: poor health, financial strain, and complex life experiences. That’s why our approach must be compassionate and accessible to everyone.

We all have a part to play in making Southampton a city filled with hope and good health. Let’s celebrate each person who takes a step towards recovery. Let’s work together to challenge stigma, highlight personal stories, and focus our efforts on creating a city where prevention, support, and recovery are shared priorities, ensuring everyone has the chance to live well.”

Councillor Marie Finn, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

“Southampton is a city built on resilience, community, and care. However, like many places we face the challenges of tobacco and alcohol harm. This report reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, someone who may be struggling, but who can also recover with the right support. I’m proud that our city is committed to providing that support and to celebrating every person who stops smoking or changes their drinking.”

To read the Annual Director of Public Health Report for 2024-25, visit:  https://data.southampton.gov.uk/public-health-annual-reports.