London's stop smoking services helped 10,000 people quit smoking in 2023.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been smoking or how many cigarettes you smoke a day, stopping smoking will improve your health and save you money.

A cigarette is made up of tar which contains cancer causing chemicals and nicotine which does not cause cancer but is highly addictive.

People have used Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) including patches and vapes for many years to help them stop smoking. NRT helps people deal with cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

You are 3x more likely to successfully stop smoking when you combine NRT with behavioural support (counselling and advice) offered by a stop smoking service.

Here’s everything you need to know about stop smoking services in London.

What does a stop smoking service do? 

A stop smoking service gives guidance, support and advice to help you quit smoking.

Stop smoking advisors are experts and will ask you about how much you smoke, when you smoke and your lifestyle. This information will be used to create a personalised plan to help you overcome cravings.

Advisors will be able to help you break habits that you have formed and give advice on effective Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as patches, gum, prescribed medication or vapes.

Appointments may be held at pharmacies, GPs or local hospitals, depending where you live. Some services can also provide support online or via telephone to best suit your availability.

Do stop smoking services work? 

Yes. Stop smoking services in London have helped 10,000 people in the last year to quit smoking.

Evidence shows that you’re 3x more likely to quit smoking for good when you combine professional support with nicotine replacement products.

I’ve tried to quit smoking before, why should I try again?

Not everyone quits first time. Evidence shows that it can take up to 30 attempts to quit for good.

That because trying to quit on your own has been shown to be the least effective way to give up smoking. The most important thing is that you keep trying and access the free support and advice available at your local service.

Do I have to smoke a certain amount to go to a stop smoking service? 

No matter how much you smoke you can get help to quit.

You do not have to be a heavy smoker, use a certain type of tobacco or smoke a particular brand of cigarette.

Do I have to pay to use a stop smoking service?

No. Stop smoking services in London are free to use and free to access.

The majority of London stop smoking services also provide free medication and treatment plans.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as patches and vapes are often provided free of charge. These items are offered following a consultation with an advisor.

Some medications are provided on prescription and in those circumstances, you will need to pay a prescription charge.

You can check if you are eligible for free prescriptions and find out more about an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate here.

How long can I use my stop smoking service?

Stop smoking services in London will provide support for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the service.

Services can still provide face to face support, telephone guidance and information to help beyond the initial plan.

English is not my first language. Can I still use the service? 

Yes.  If you need a translator, contact your local stop smoking service and request translation for your appointments.

I am anxious about being judged and criticised for smoking. 

Advisors understand what a challenge quitting smoking can be.

They are friendly, happy to help and welcoming. They are there to give you the free stop smoking support you need to quit and are not there to judge.

What will happen during my appointment? 

Your first appointment with a trained advisor will normally last around 30 minutes and is there to support you.

This appointment is about understanding your lifestyle and smoking triggers and previous quit attempts to create a personalised plan designed to help you quit.

During this appointment, your stop smoking advisor will also help you set a quit date – this is the first day that you will stop smoking. They will offer advice and guidance when it comes to dealing with cravings, withdrawal symptoms and smoking triggers.

You may have your carbon monoxide reading taken to measure the amount in your body. This is done by breathing normally into a device.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas contained in tobacco smoke.

You can’t smell it, see it or taste it but it stops the blood from carrying as much oxygen. This means organs of the body don’t get the amount of oxygen they need, and the heart must work harder to supply the body with oxygen

The levels of carbon monoxide in your body will reduce when you stop smoking.

Will I have the same stop smoking advisor?

Building up a relationship with your stop smoking advisor is really important and can improve your chances of quitting.

Most stop smoking services will aim to keep you with the same stop smoking advisor present at the first appointment.

Depending on which area you live in, there may be a team of advisors assigned to appointments – meaning you could see a different advisor.

Do I have to bring or prepare anything for the appointment? 

You do not need to bring any items, documents, or medications to your appointment.

Helpful preparation is to think about when you smoke, triggers and any current medication to help your advisor create a personalised plan to help you quit.

Stop Smoking London can help you quit

There is no safe level of smoking – quitting completely is the best thing you can do for your health.

You are three times more likely to quit smoking for good when combining medication with expert support.

Quitting smoking can be hard but Stop Smoking London is here to help you. We have helped thousands of Londoners quit smoking for good and have a variety of helpful services and resources that work.

Find your nearest local stop smoking service.

Sign up for the free text messaging service here.

Ring the free Stop Smoking London Helpline.

Access helpful guides, success stories from ex-smokers and free resources.