Northumberland Stop Smoking Service Celebrates 25 Years

07 Jan 2025 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

The Northumberland Stop Smoking Service has celebrated its 25th anniversary, while the latest data shows record low levels of smokers reported in the county.   

Since it launched in 1999, the service has supported over 80,000 quit attempts and more than 90% of people in Northumberland are non-smokers now. Yet smoking is still the main cause of preventable illness and death for residents.  The message remains clear, that more needs to be done to make smoking history for everyone. 

Kerry Lynch, Senior Public Health Manager at Northumberland County Council, was part of the team who set up the Stop Smoking Service. Reflecting on the changes that have come about since the service first opened its doors, Kerry said: “We have seen a phenomenal amount of change over the past 25 years in the service itself, developing models to support people face to face, by telephone and providing online support via the website. 

“Smoking prevalence continues to fall in Northumberland and is now reported as 8.2%.  The 5% ambition is ever closer for us, but only if we keep up our hard work.”   

Those who want to quit often struggle with their addiction to nicotine. The Northumberland Stop Smoking Service allows people to access lots of help, information and encouragement to stop smoking for good from a team of friendly, experienced advisers and specialists.     

With expert help from the stop smoking service, people are three times more likely to succeed than those who try to quit without support. 

John, a male resident, aged 49, who recently used the Stop Smoking Service said: “I’ve smoked since I went to university at 18 and got through up to 25 cigarettes a day.  I recently decided to try and quit, but knew I would need support to do it.  After initially trying patches, I am finding using a vape is much more effective for me. 

“I’ve now been quit for 12 months. I am sleeping much better, my mental agility has improved, my memory seems better, and my appearance has improved. I have event started working out and can breathe much better.” 

Gill O’Neill, Northumberland’s Director of Public Health, said: “Just 17 years ago smoking in a restaurant or bar was legal.  Thankfully legislation was introduced to protect workers in industries such as hospitality and public transport. The smokefree legislation was widely accepted and now we can't imagine smoking being allowed on planes or in restaurants.   

“And this year we will see new legislation that includes measures to create a smoke-free generation, phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.”  

Cllr Wendy Pattison, chair of the Northumberland Tobacco Control Partnership, said:  “Quitting is one of the best things smokers can do for their health. People can often make several attempts to quit, so getting the right help to stop smoking means that people are much more likely to be successful.   

“If you smoke, why not get the new year off to a fabulous start by setting a quit date! There is lots of support available and I would encourage anyone who wants to stop smoking to ask for help.    

“You don’t have to kick the habit alone. Northumberland’s Stop Smoking Service is on hand to support quitters every step of the way.” 

For more information, please visit www.StopSmokingNorthumberland.co.uk or call 01670 813135.