Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK - Every year around 78,000 people in the UK die from smoking, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses.
Smoking increases your risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions, some of them fatal.
However, if you give up smoking, the health benefits begin almost immediately.
Second-hand smoke
People, including children, exposed to second-hand smoke, are also at increased risk, so we should particularly avoid smoking at home and in the car. Second-hand smoke is particularly dangerous for those with existing health conditions, like asthma or heart disease.
E-cigarette use (vaping)
Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is an effective tools for quitting smoking. However, it is not recommended for long term use. Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers and young people.
Find out more in the South East England Position Statement on Vaping 2024.
When to quit
It is never too late to quit, no matter your age.
Once smoke-free, there are very real health benefits, with the body continuing to repair itself the longer you stay smoke-free.
The more immediate benefits include:
- after 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris
- after 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes begin to relax
- after 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves, making physical activity like walking and running easier
Where to find support
You can use the smoke-free app to access advice and support on how you can best stop smoking. Search ‘Smoke-free’.
Support to quit smoking is available from your local stop smoking service. Please contact them for support and advice.
Area | Service |
|---|---|
Berkshire (all areas except Slough) | Telephone: 0800 622 6360 Text QUIT to 66777 |
Bracknell Forest | Telephone: 0800 622 6360 | 0118 449 2026 Text QUIT to 66777 Using the Quit with Bella app www.quitwithbella.co.uk Web: Stop Smoking Berkshire | Smokefreelife Berkshire |
Buckinghamshire | Telephone: 03332 3000177 |
Hampshire | Telephone: 0800 772 3649 email: Text QUIT to 66777 |
Slough | Telephone: 0800 0614734 / 01753 373646 Text QUIT to 66777 Using the Quit with Bella app www.quitwithbella.co.uk Web: https://healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk/services/stop-smoking/ |
Surrey | Telephone: 01737 652168 Email: |
National support
The NHS offer several ways to access some support without leaving your home.
Smoke-free App
The app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smoke free for the 4-week programme you're up to 5 times more likely to quit for good. Plus, you can track the days you've been smoke free and see how much you're saving! Download the Smokefree app
Daily email support
Stay focused on quitting with support sent straight to your inbox. The Smoke free emails, sent every day for 28 days, are full of advice, tips and encouragement to help you achieve your goal. Sign up for Smokefree email support