Supporting you to stop smoking
You are four times more likely to quit successfully with the support of a trained advisor. They can provide expert guidance, motivation, and practical strategies tailored to your needs, making the process much easier than trying to do it alone.
Reducing Risk
Our specially trained Stop Smoking Advisors will work with you through a 12 week stop smoking programme.You and your Advisor will discuss a variety of products and support that can help you quit smoking.
With face-to-face support, you’re more likely to quit and we will support you every step of the way.The programme includes a 12-week free prescription for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products such as vapes, patches or gum.
Why stop smoking?
One in every two long term smokers will die from a smoking related illness. The more you smoke, and the longer you wait to quit, the worse the risk.
Smoking can cause illness including:
- 16 different cancers
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- stroke and heart disease
- dementia
- diabetes
What happens when you quit?
After 20 minutes
Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal.
After 8 hours
Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.
After 48 hours
Your carbon monoxide levels have
dropped to that of a non-smoker. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
After 72 hours
If you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.
After 2-12 weeks
Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because vour circulation will have improved
After 3-9 months
Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases bv up to 10%.
After 1 year
Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
After 10 years
More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
Looking for events, groups or activities near you?
We’re here to help
If you need support or have a question, don’t hesitate to get in touch
How we've helped
‘Zach’ was in a community rehabilitation centre. While a resident, he relapsed, resulting in eviction, but was shortly allowed to recommence his support with the rehab and was offered a residential placement again. The Health Squad assessed him and identified a health need in that Zach wanted to quit smoking. Through the support provided by the...
Local man and 15/19th The King’s Royal Hussar Veteran, 57-year-old Andy Denholm brought his blood pressure into healthy range, lost an incredible three stone and three pounds, improved his Body Mass Index (BMI) and mental health and is now embarking on a stop smoking programme. He achieved all of this with the support of the team...
Stop smoking resources
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Useful linkPCP is a leading third sector organisation working in the North East, with a focus on health improvement and reducing health inequalities through building capacity and life... -
NewsThis year marks the ten year anniversary of Wellbeing for Life (WBFL), a service dedicated to helping residents across County Durham live healthier, happier lives. Commissioned by... -
Useful linkHelping you to make decisions about your lifestyle, such as smoking, drinking and exercise. -
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Useful linkA dedicated regional programme set up to tackle the worst rates of smoking related illness and death in England -
App or toolNHS Quit Smoking app
Use the NHS Quit Smoking app this 2025 to help you quit smoking and start breathing more easily. The app allows you to: Once you reach 28...
Brought to you by Wellbeing for life
Offering advice and training to support behaviour change and improve health, wellbeing and learning opportunities.
