Hartlepool Borough Council is encouraging residents to use this year's Stoptober campaign to stop smoking, highlighting a wider range of free support and quit aids now available in the region.

Research shows that nearly half of smokers rely on willpower alone to quit, and confidence in success can be low. However, every quit attempt brings smokers closer to stopping for good.

Strong quit rates in the North East

Around 46% of smokers in the North East – an estimated 169,000 people – attempted to quit in 2025, according to UCL's Smoking Toolkit Study of people aged 16 and over. This was the highest rate in the country.

Benefits of quitting

Quitting smoking brings immediate benefits including feeling calmer and saving money. Long-term health risks reduce as weeks and months pass. Someone who quits can save more than £2,000 a year.

Research shows that if a smoker quits for 28 days during Stoptober, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

Council support for residents

Councillor Christine Wiley, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council's Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: "Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but I know it isn't always easy, I did it myself. The important message this Stoptober is that you don't have to do it alone, and you don't have to rely on willpower alone, as I did."

She added: "Here in Hartlepool, there is free, practical and personalised support available to help you find an approach that works for you. Whether this is your first attempt to quit or you've tried before, please don't be discouraged. Every attempt is a step towards becoming smoke-free."

Finding local support

Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: "This September is a massive chance for thousands of people to turn their backs on smoking. It doesn't matter how many times you've tried before – it is never too late to stop and gain benefits to your health and finances."

She continued: "Getting free and effective support helps you take the stress and cravings out of quitting and helps your quit go a lot further. Getting support isn't cheating, it's about giving yourself the best chance to keep you from smoking, week by week."

Residents can find their way to quit and locate local support at www.FreshQuit.co.uk