Portsmouth City Council’s Wellbeing Service is helping people in Portsmouth to stop smoking this Stoptober, with free, convenient, expert support.

The service has now been running for over a decade and has supported over 10,000 quit attempts to date.

During Stoptober, residents who want to make a quit attempt are encouraged to take advantage of the free support, which is available via telephone or through drop-ins at venues across the city.  The Wellbeing Service team can offer expert advice and arrange for you to get stop smoking products, medication, or a free vape kit (18+).

In Portsmouth, 12.7% of people currently smoke, which is worse than the England average.

It’s hoped smoking rates will fall through the introduction of the Smokefree Generation policy, which will help prevent young people from ever taking up smoking in the first place.

From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The age of sale will then increase by one year every year, eventually phasing out the sale of tobacco across the UK.

66% of people in the South East support the policy, highlighting the strength of public backing for action to prevent children from the harms of tobacco. Meanwhile, 74% of people who have ever smoked say that if they could go back in time, they would not start smoking.

The policy marks a shift towards preventing smoking before it starts and is expected to protect around 4 million young people from tobacco within the next five years.

Helen Atkinson, Director of Public Health at Portsmouth City Council, said: “Smoking remains one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and early death, which is why this legislation is such an important step forward.

“The Smokefree Generation will help protect children and young people from the harms of tobacco and reduce the likelihood of future generations becoming addicted to smoking in the first place.”

For stop smoking support from Portsmouth Wellbeing Service, visit wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk/stopsmoking or call 023 9229 4001.