It's never too late to quit smoking

The 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day, a time for us to unite and offer encouragement and support to those on their quitting journey, is swiftly approaching on 13 March.

There are over 5.3 million adults in England who still smoke, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death in England. In fact, up to two in three smokers will die as a result of long-term smoking.

Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital in England with a smoking-related disease and in 2022-23, there were an estimated 400,000 hospital admissions in England due to smoking and one in four hospital patients is a smoker.

Despite the clear health risks of smoking, it’s estimated that nearly 50 million cigarettes are smoked every day in England – around nine cigarettes a day per smoker. However, smoking rates have reduced considerably since the first year of No Smoking Day 40 years ago and this year’s No Smoking Day campaign aims to continue this pattern and encourage people to quit by offering free proven NHS resources and advice.

For free support to quit smoking, search smokefree.

There are safe replacements for smoking during pregnancy too. And stopping helps immediately. For support and to show you proven ways others have quit smoking visit. www.mums-can.co.uk #MumsCan.

Rachel Forbes, acting Consultant in Public Health leading on smoking prevention for the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “Quitting smoking in pregnancy helps immediately and is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Smoking is highly addictive, and we know that many women who smoke during pregnancy need extra support and incentivisation to help them quit. As an ex-smoker myself, I know it’s not easy.  With help, change is possible. Our website www.mums-can.co.uk offers free, friendly, non-judgemental support, safer alternatives and proven techniques to help quit smoking.”

Be part of the change and help build a smokefree generation.