Stoptober encourages Walsall residents to take the first step towards a smoke-free future
With Stoptober beginning on 1 October, Walsall residents are being encouraged to quit smoking and choose the support that works for them as part of the national stop smoking campaign.
This year’s Stoptober campaign comes as the country prepares for the introduction of the UK’s first Smokefree Generation from 1 January 2027. Children born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold tobacco products, helping to protect future generations from a lifetime of tobacco addiction and smoking-related harm.
While smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death, many people continue to smoke because they believe it helps them cope with stress, anxiety or difficult emotions.
This year, Walsall Council and its partners are highlighting the link between smoking and mental wellbeing. Although smoking may feel like it relieves stress in the short term, evidence shows that quitting can improve mental wellbeing, reduce anxiety and improve mood. Stoptober encourages people to break free from the cycle of stress and smoking and discover the benefits of a smoke-free life.
Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, and Stoptober provides a great opportunity to make a quit attempt with support available throughout the month and beyond.
“This year’s campaign also comes ahead of the introduction of the UK’s Smokefree Generation measures, which aim to reduce smoking uptake among future generations. Alongside this, we want to ensure that anyone who smokes now is aware of the help available to quit.
“Whether you have tried before or are thinking about quitting for the first time, support is available that works for you to help you take that first step.”
Owain Johns, Regional Operations Manager for Be Well Walsall at Maximus UK said: “Stoptober is a really good opportunity for people to have a go at quitting, but what matters most is knowing there’s proper support there when you need it. Through Be Well Walsall, we can work with people in a way that suits them, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Quitting smoking isn’t always easy, and for some people it takes more than one attempt. That’s completely normal. The important thing is taking that first step, and our team is there to help people do that and stick with it.”
Engagement events are taking place across Walsall during Stoptober. All are welcome to attend:
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Wednesday 7 October and Tuesday 20 October at Walsall Manor Hospital with specialist stop smoking teams and local services from 10am to 2pm (opposite Costa Coffee and in the A&E waiting area).
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Tuesday 20 October at Walsall Football Club with Be Well Walsall (pre-match for Walsall vs Oldham Athletic game – 19:45 kick-off).
Free expert support from local stop smoking services is available and is proven to give residents the best chance of quitting successfully.
Be Well Walsall provides free, tailored support to quit smoking through face-to-face, phone or digital sessions. Up to 12 weeks of support is provided, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and regulated vapes as an additional aid to quit. Be Well Walsall also offers support with being a healthier weight, wellbeing and free NHS Health Checks (eligibility criteria apply). Support is also available to quit vaping. Visit their website or call 01922 444044 to sign up.
Quit with Bella offers web-based support from AI robo-coach Bella plus guidance from a trained advisor, including a 12-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy and/or vapes sent by post. Sign up by calling 0800 772 3872, email walsall.stopsmoking@nhs.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust provides specialist services including the Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Service, offering behavioural support, NRT and regulated vapes for pregnant women and their partners. For more information or to make a referral, call 01922 270477.
The Trust’s Tobacco Dependency Service supports patients who smoke, offering personalised help and NRT. Patients and companions attending Walsall Manor Hospital’s Emergency Department can access immediate stop smoking advice and be referred to a local stop smoking service. Email wht.tdt@nhs.net for details.
Specialist support for mental health inpatients is also offered through Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
While the Smokefree Generation is focused on preventing young people from starting to smoke, it is never too late for people who smoke to quit. This Stoptober, Walsall residents are encouraged to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future by accessing support from local stop smoking services.