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NHS Support Options For Quitting Smoking
Smoking Cessation Guides
NHS Stop Smoking services offer free, specialist support that approximately doubles your quit rate compared to going it alone. Here is a complete guide to what is available and how to access it.
2x
Better Quit Rate With NHS Support vs Unassisted
Free
All NHS Stop Smoking Services Are Free to Access
Multiple
Support Formats Available, In-Person, Online, App and Phone
Why NHS support matters
NHS Support Options for Quitting Smoking
Willpower alone produces long-term quit rates of around three to five percent, the vast majority of unassisted quit attempts fail within days to weeks. Adding NHS behavioural support to a cessation attempt approximately doubles the long-term success rate. This is not because willpower is unimportant but because effective cessation requires strategies, tools and ongoing support that are most effectively provided by a specialist service. The NHS provides this support for free to every smoker in the UK.
What is available
NHS Stop Smoking Services: What Is on Offer
Local NHS Stop Smoking Services
NHS-commissioned local Stop Smoking services are available across England. They provide one-to-one or group behavioural support sessions with trained Stop Smoking advisors, access to all licensed NRT products on NHS prescription, and access to prescription medicines including varenicline (Champix, if available) and bupropion. Local services typically offer weekly sessions during the active quit attempt, reducing in frequency as the attempt stabilises. Access through your GP or directly via your local service, find yours at nhs.uk/smokefree.
NHS Smokefree App
The free NHS Smokefree app provides daily support, progress tracking, cravings management tools and motivational content throughout the cessation journey. It tracks days smoke-free, cigarettes not smoked and money saved. It provides in-app craving support with breathing exercises and distraction tools. Available on iOS and Android and can be used alongside all other cessation methods including vaping.
Smokefree National Helpline
The Smokefree national helpline provides free telephone support from trained advisors. Available for anyone in England wanting guidance on stopping smoking, information on local services and real-time support during the attempt. The number is 0300 123 1044.
Specialist Support for Pregnant Women
NHS Stop Smoking services provide priority access and specialist support for pregnant women. Given the particular risks of smoking during pregnancy, pregnant women receive dedicated one-to-one support and access to NRT under supervised medical guidance. All pregnant smokers are encouraged to access this service through their midwife.
Through Your GP
A GP appointment is the most straightforward way to access the full range of NHS cessation support, including prescription NRT, prescription medicines and referral to specialist services. Many GPs now also support vaping-assisted cessation following the NHS's updated guidance endorsing vaping as a cessation tool. Informing your GP that you are planning to quit and what method you intend to use creates a documented support pathway and access to the full prescription toolbox.
Best Vape For Heavy Smokers
Combine NHS Support With the Right Vape Kit for the Best Results
The 2019 clinical trial showed 18% one-year quit rates when vaping is combined with NHS behavioural support. Browse our heavy smoker kits.
Find vape kits designed for heavy smokers making an NHS-supported attempt at our best vape for heavy smokers collection.
From our Cessation Guides
Part of our Smoking Cessation guide
Smoking Cessation Guides
Our Smoking Cessation guide covers NHS support, psychological strategies and the full range of tools available for quitting.
Find more cessation support guides in our Smoking Cessation guide.
More from our Cessation Guides
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NHS Support Is Free: Combine It With the Right Vape Kit.
Access free specialist support and find your heavy smoker vape kit today.