More than two-thirds (68%) of smokers say they wish they didn’t smoke, according to research from the Centre for Excellence, the regional public health prevention programme for Humber and North Yorkshire.
The findings come as local authorities across the region encourage people to use Stoptober as an opportunity to quit using the free support on offer from local stop smoking services and the Smoke Free app.
Nearly half (48%) of smokers surveyed said that quitting feels like a scary process. More than half (57%) say they can imagine themselves as an ex-smoker.
Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good, making Stoptober and the month of October an ideal way for people to start their quit journey.
Dr Emma Hardy, GP and Public Health Specialty Registrar in Yorkshire and Humber, said:
“I want people to know that they don’t have to tackle quitting alone. There are different ways to get support, from digital tools to free support from a stop smoking adviser, and it’s about finding what works for you and fits into your life.
“If you’ve tried before, you’re not starting from scratch: you’ve learnt something about what works and what’s difficult, and every attempt counts. Stoptober is a chance to build on that and take another step, with support along the way.”
Smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. It is estimated to cause around 2,500 premature deaths and more than 18,000 hospital admissions across Humber and North Yorkshire each year, while costing the area nearly £1.4 billion annually through lost productivity, sickness absence and NHS treatment.
Adult smoking rates have continued to fall across Humber and North Yorkshire, with adult smoking prevalence reaching a record low of 11.7% in 2024. However, an estimated 173,000 adults in the region still smoke.
On top of free support from local stop smoking services, residents can get six months’ free access to all the features on the app which helps people control cravings, monitor health improvements and money saved, and even chat to a stop smoking expert 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This also includes stop smoking aids as part of the campaign (nicotine replacement therapy, medication, vapes) worth up to an overall total £300.
To find your local stop smoking service and download the Smoke Free app, visit: yestoquit.co.uk
