Stopping smoking
Smoking is one of the main causes of death in Thurrock – 1 in every 2 long-term smokers die early because of smoking.
Smoking can increase the risk of death from cancer. It causes:
- illness
- disability
- heart disease
- lung disease
To reduce these risks, you must stop smoking. The benefits of giving up smoking include:
- reduced risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other lung disease
- reduced risk of disability and illness caused by smoking
- keep others from being exposed to second hand smoke
- your food will taste better
- you will reduce the chances of your children suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, meningitis and ear infections
- you will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby
- you will improve your breathing and fitness
Research tells us that two-thirds of smokers say they want to stop.
Stoptober 2024
Stoptober is back this October to encourage and support smokers to quit for good.
Throughout Stoptober 2024, Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service can provide support if you would like to vape as your way to stop smoking. This includes helping adults take part in a national scheme called 'Swap to Stop'.
Swap to Stop gives adult smokers the opportunity to:
- swap cigarettes for a free vape kit
- get support from a Stop Smoking Adviser for up to 12 weeks
To find out more about Swap to Stop and speak to one of our advisers, drop-in any time to one of our Stoptober sessions below. If you can't get to one of these sessions, phone Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service to ask about 'Swap to Stop' support.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 30 September | 11:30am to 2pm | Town Hall Café, south end of the High Street, Grays |
| Tuesday 8 October | 11:30am to 2pm | Town Hall Café, south end of the High Street, Grays |
| Wednesday 16 October | 11:30am to 2pm | Town Hall Café, south end of the High Street, Grays |
Where to get help
You can get help to stop smoking by phoning Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service, who can arrange an appointment with a Stop Smoking Adviser.
There are a number of other ways you can get information and support to stop smoking:
- contact Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service
- vaping – using e-cigarettes to quit smoking
- book an appointment with your GP
- go to NHS: Quit smoking for help to quit
Our strategy
Download our strategy for prevention, treatment and tobacco control to reduce smoking in Thurrock.