Stoptober: Everything you need to know about the 28-day smoke-free challenge

Another month, another campaign – but Stoptober could be one bandwagon well worth jumping on.

If you do, you’ll be joining over 150,000 people across England who are hoping to kick their smoking habit during the month of October.

It is estimated that about eight million adults in England (or one in five people) smoke cigarettes, with over 79,000 deaths a year attributed to smoking-related causes.

However, despite knowing the risks, many smokers still struggle to give up the habit.

So if you think you would like to get involved, here’s what you need to know:

What is Stoptober?

Stoptober is a Public Health England campaign that challenges smokers to give up cigarettes for 28 days during the month of October. The premise is that after abstaining for this period of time, individuals are five times more likely to quit smoking permanently.

How do I take part?

You can register online at www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober to receive free resources to help you quit, including the Stoptober pack, mobile phone app or daily supportive texts and emails.

So it starts on 1 October?

That’s right – Wednesday 1 October is the official start date. However you can start gearing yourself up for the smoke-free challenge now.

Will it really work?

The only way of finding out is to give it a go. There’s plenty of advice and helpful tips online, as well as a number of additional resources, including a free Stoptober app and text support programme.

Is there a charity element?

Not officially, but the average smoker will save £141 over the course of the month, which could be used to help a cause close to your heart.