7 Essential Facts You Need to Know About Stoptober

1. What is Stoptober?

Stoptober is a UK public health campaign that calls on people to quit smoking during the month of October. The concept is based on behavioural science that highlights the importance of habit formation. Research shows that if a person can quit smoking for 28 days, they are 5 times more likely to quit permanently.

2. How does Stoptober work?

Stoptober offers support through a variety of tools, including the NHS Quit Smoking app, daily email support, Facebook support group, information about quitting smoking with a vape and expert support from local stop smoking services.

Additionally, to gain wider attention, it receives celebrity endorsements from well-known figures like comedian Paddy McGuinness, actress Linda Robson, and various sports stars. As part of Stoptober 2024, a film was released at the end of September featuring former professional dancer James Jordan, who shared his personal journey of quitting smoking after 27 years of the habit.

3. When did Stoptober start?

Stoptober began in 2012 and is an annual campaign run by Public Health England. It takes place every October and is part of an effort by the UK government to reduce smoking rates.

Source: The Campaigns Resource Centre

4. Why was Stoptober introduced?

The initiative is part of the UK government's effort to reduce smoking rates, as smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death. The Stoptober campaign also creates a supportive environment, emphasising quitting together as a community. This helps reduce the feeling of isolation that people often experience when trying to quit smoking.

5. A turning point for e-cigarettes

In 2017, Stoptober became one of the first public health initiative to promote e-cigarettes as a tool to help people quit smoking. This shift came after growing evidence suggested that vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. The idea is that by incorporating e-cigarettes alongside other nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum, Stoptober provides more options for quitting. It points out that although e-cigarettes aren’t completely risk-free, they offer a safer alternative for those looking to quit, especially for smokers who have struggled with other methods.

6. Is Stoptober successful?

Yes, it has been largely successful, partly due to its combination of social support and expert advice, which increase motivation among participants.

Since its launch in 2012, the campaign has helped over 2.5 million people attempt to quit smoking. This success has inspired similar initiatives globally, including in countries like New Zealand, France, and the Netherlands, where governments have launched month-long smoking cessation campaigns.

7. Economic and mental benefits

According to estimates by Action on Smoking and Health, smoking-related illnesses cost the National Health Service (NHS) around £2.4 billion each year, and the total cost to the UK economy, including lost productivity, is approximately £17 billion. Thus, Stoptober also helps reduce these costs.

Additionally, the campaign raises awareness about the importance of mental health. Many smokers worry that quitting will increase stress or anxiety, but quitting can actually improve mental well-being.

We encourage you to join the Stoptober movement if you smoke conventional tobacco cigarettes. You can also help raise awareness and spread information about this valuable initiative, supporting those who are trying to quit.