Derby City Council is encouraging smokers to take advantage of its free healthy lifestyle service, Livewell, to significantly increase their chances of quitting smoking during this year's Stoptober campaign.

Stoptober, a national initiative during the month of October, invites smokers across England to join millions who have successfully quit through the campaign. Despite progress, over 5 million adults in England continue to smoke, with the East Midlands showing a prevalence rate of 12.5% and Derby at 10.5%. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death, accounting for 75,000 deaths annually.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Successfully quitting for 28 days makes you five times more likely to quit permanently. While many attempt to quit 'cold turkey', using support services like Livewell can significantly increase success rates.

This Stoptober, the campaign is urging smokers to explore the free support available to them. By participating, aspiring quitters in Derby are more likely to succeed, knowing they have the backing of Livewell.

Last year, 745 people in Derby quit smoking with Livewell’s support, collectively saving an average of £59 per week per person, totalling £2.23 million.  Jozef and Yana Cicak from Normanton successfully quit smoking together after 40 years with Livewell’s support. Jozef has seen significant health improvements, and the couple now saves £450 each month.  

Jozef said:

I’m happier than I ever was whilst smoking and I’m determined to stay quit. I never believed it could be possible, so if you want to quit, then take up the Stoptober challenge and get Livewell to support you. 

I tell everyone in my community about Livewell so that more people know specialist support is available.

Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

It’s not easy to stop smoking but Livewell can provide vital advice and support. With the right support, you’re five times more likely to stop smoking for good and experience better health.

Dr Gillian Lowrey, Respiratory Physician at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton added: 

Every day in my role, I meet people whose lives have been devastated and cut short by tobacco smoking. Once you start smoking it can be hard to stop, but there is good news: local services like Livewell offer free, effective treatments and expert support to help people quit smoking. 

And it's never too late – even those who are already sick from smoking can benefit significantly from quitting, as it will reduce symptoms, improve treatment outcomes and increase their chances of survival.

The official Stoptober challenge begins on Wednesday 1 October. However, smokers can quit any time with the help of Livewell, which offers 12 months of free support and stop smoking treatments, including nicotine products and vapes, to Derby residents.

To sign up and book a phone appointment to get started, visit the Livewell website.