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Sheffield City Council funds access to Smoke Free app that’s helped 500,000 people quit

This winter protecting our health has never been more important.

In a bid to support members of the public to quit smoking and protect their health this winter, Sheffield City Council is giving people free access to the Smoke Free app, which has helped over 500,000 people quit smoking across the country.

This winter protecting our health has never been more important, and smokers have a higher risk of getting respiratory infections such as flu or COVID-19, the infection lasting longer, and being more serious than those who don’t smoke. As well as reducing those risks, quitting smoking brings benefits straight away, with improvements to the body starting from the moment you quit. Plus, with Christmas just around the corner, quitting now could save the average smoker around £210 in just six weeks, meaning more money in the pocket at a time where many might be struggling with finances.

The programme involves free access for the first 200 people to the most popular stop smoking app, Smoke Free (normally £60), alongside a 4-week structured quit plan which includes one-to-one support from a stop smoking advisor virtually. This gives the people of Sheffield the best chance of quitting successfully, as smokers are three times more likely to quit with the use of specialist behavioural support and stop smoking medicines.

However, it is known from local and national data that a larger proportion of people try to quit alone which is the least effective way to quit. Through funding the 200 free plans, Sheffield City Council is enhancing the local stop smoking service offer and ensuring users have access to further evidenced-based quit support, that gives up to date information on how they are gaining from quitting as well as quick access to support in their pocket via their phone, access to an online community of quitters and expert-led group discussions which people can take part in or watch.

“Quitting smoking is one of the best things people can do right now to protect their health, so it’s great that we can support those ready to make their quit attempt with this offer. As we know no two quit journeys are the same, the app helps people to quit the right way for them. And people will feel the benefits instantly. Not just in their health, but in their pockets too.” -Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield.

Smokers will be encouraged to download the Smoke Free app, with the first 200 using the code SCCSF to access the app for free. The app can be downloaded from getmesmokefree.com.

“Around 16 people die each week from a smoking-related illness in our city, and now more than ever, it’s important that people take care of their health and protect those around them. We know that people are three times more likely to have a successful quit attempt when they use a stop smoking service, and with free access to additional support through the Smoke Free app, we’re asking people to just give it a go.” – Cllr Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure.

Smokefree Sheffield offers advice and support to help people quit in Sheffield. Free support through the stop smoking service is available to everyone in the city. For advice and support to quit smoking this winter and beyond visit our Stop Smoking Services page to find the right service for you.

Contact

Sophie Squire

Account Executive

0114 221 0378 Email Sophie Squire