Rise in people quitting with North East stop smoking services
More people are taking their lives back from tobacco and quitting smoking with support from free local community Stop Smoking Services across the North East, according to new figures published today.
The latest annual Stop Smoking Services statistics for 2025/26 show that 8,046 people per 100,000 population (18,115 people) across the North East set a quit date with their local Stop Smoking Service – an increase of 26% compared with 2024/25.
The figures also show that 4,292 people per 100,000 population (9,663 people) successfully quit smoking with support from local Stop Smoking Services – an increase of 25% on the previous year.
Last year marked 25 years since local community stop smoking services were set up. The increase in people using the services follows continued investment by local authorities, enabling more people to access free and effective support to quit smoking and helping to move the region closer towards its ambition of a future free of the death and disease of tobacco.
People who use Stop Smoking Services are up to three times more likely to quit successfully than those who try to stop without support.
Amanda Healy, Director of Public Health for County Durham and Chair of Association of Directors of Public Health North East, said: “Smoking is still our single biggest cause of preventable illness, death and health inequalities. Most people who smoke have tried to quit – that’s where stop smoking services help to turn willpower into reality.
“The investment in stop smoking services is making a real difference by ensuring that more people can access high-quality, effective support wherever they live across the region.
“These figures show what can be achieved when we invest in prevention and work together to support local people to live healthier lives.”
Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: “Stop smoking services offer free and friendly support to thousands of people in local communities. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve smoked – it is never too late.
“Even one or two cigarettes a day raises health risks. Every successful quit means someone reducing their risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and many other serious illnesses, with huge improvements to finances and quality of life.
“There has never been a better time to quit smoking and there are now more ways to quit than ever before. Nobody has to quit alone.”
Elaine McNally, from Gateshead, started smoking as a teenager. Her addiction lasted decades and at one point she was smoking 40 to 50 cigarettes a day. As a result she struggled to breathe, couldn’t walk far and found everyday tasks exhausting. She decided she needed to quit smoking for her health and visited the Gateshead Stop Smoking Service for support.
She said: “I had tried to quit before – cold turkey, patches and other stop smoking methods – but nothing worked long term. That first appointment with the stop smoking service changed everything.
“My advisor was great – I wasn’t judged or pressured, just supported through the process.
“Since quitting, my health has massively improved. I can breathe easier, move around more freely and I really feel like I’ve got my legs back.
“If you want to quit smoking don’t overthink it – just start and reach out for support.”
Lynne Donnelly, from Middlesbrough, was a heavy smoker for many years but quit when her grandchildren were born. She now works for South Tees Stop Smoking Service helping other people who smoke to quit.
She said: “I was what I’d call a heavy smoker. I smoked around 40 cigarettes a day, and my whole life revolved around them. I’d wake up in the morning and have three cigarettes before the kettle even boiled. I smoked walking to work, I smoked on every break, and all I thought about was when I could have my next cigarette.
“I tried to quit a few times, but I always failed. The real turning point came when my grandchildren were born. Something just clicked. I didn’t want to smoke around them. I didn’t want them breathing in my smoke or carrying the smell of cigarettes because of me. My family history was never far from my mind either. My dad smoked all his life and died a terrible death from COPD.
“I reached out to my local stop smoking service after seeing a leaflet on the hospital wall. I got proper, non‑judgemental support: weekly appointments, nicotine patches, and someone who was there when things felt tough. My advisor was incredible. If I struggled during the week, I could ring her – and I did.
“I never went back – even when life got hard. Quitting was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but when you’re ready and you have the right support, it is possible.”
Quit smoking – get started
Across the North East, there have never been more ways to quit smoking – in local communities, pharmacies, primary care and other local settings, by phone and through the free Smoke Free digital tool – offering 24/4 support for people short on time.
Smokers can choose the support that works best for them, alongside proven quit aids such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), nicotine vapes and stop smoking medications varenicline and cytisinicline.
To find your nearest free Stop Smoking Service and discover the many ways to quit, visit www.FreshQuit.co.uk. There has never been a better time to take the first step towards a smokefree life.
The North East has seen the largest fall in smoking in England, from 29% of adults in 2005 to 10.2% in 2025.
The North East has a Declaration for a Smokefree Future to end the death and disease of tobacco, supported by local authorities and the North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board.
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