News

New Year, New Start: Thurrock residents encouraged to get early support to stop smoking

5 January 2026

As residents across Thurrock make New Year resolutions to improve their health, Thurrock Council is encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to get support early by registering online for its free Help to Stop Smoking service. 

The service is delivered by the council’s Health Trainer Service and is designed to support residents from the very start of their quit journey. Getting help early can make a significant difference, particularly during the first few weeks when cravings and relapse risk are highest. 

Register online early for the best chance of success 

Registering early in the New Year gives residents the best opportunity to quit successfully. The short online registration form can be completed quickly on a mobile phone or desktop device, allowing support to begin without delay. 

Once registered, residents will be contacted by a trained stop smoking specialist to discuss the most appropriate support options. 

What makes Thurrock Council’s offer different? 

While many areas offer stop smoking advice, Thurrock Council’s service goes further by providing early, personalised and flexible support tailored to residents’ needs. 

The service stands out by offering: 

  • Early follow-up once residents register, supporting people through the most challenging early weeks 

  • Choice, including one-to-one specialist support, phone support, or a digital option 

  • Free access to proven treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), vape starter kits, or stop smoking medication where appropriate 

  • A blended digital and human approach, combining technology with local, personal support 

  • Community-based access, with help available in trusted local venues for residents who need support to get started 

This approach helps remove barriers and makes quitting feel more achievable. 

Free personalised support from day one 

Residents who register can access a free 12-week personalised quit programme, including weekly one-to-one support from trained specialists and a tailored quit plan. 

Evidence shows that people who use specialist support alongside stop smoking treatments are up to five times more likely to quit successfully than those who try to stop on their own. 

A digital option: The Smoke Free App 

For residents who prefer a digital approach, Thurrock Council also offers access to the premium Smoke Free App, providing immediate support at the start of the New Year. Eligible Thurrock residents can receive: 

  • Six months’ free premium access to the app 

  • Daily motivation, progress tracking and craving support 

  • A vape or nicotine replacement delivered to their door (eligible tobacco smokers aged 18+ living in Thurrock) 

Download the Smoke Free App or visit (https://link.smokefreeapp.com/thurrockres) and enter the code (sfthurr25) when prompted.

Extra motivation to stay smoke-free 

Residents who remain smoke-free for 12 weeks may be eligible for two months’ free membership to Impulse Leisure, supporting long-term health and wellbeing as the year progresses. Terms and conditions apply. 

Start 2026 smoke-free 

Residents are encouraged to take the first step today by registering online, or by calling 0800 292 2299. 

Together, we can do this.