People across Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire who smoke are being encouraged to join thousands of others and make a quit attempt this October as part of Stoptober 2026.
Stoptober is the NHS annual quit-smoking campaign. It challenges people to go smoke-free for 28 days, from 1 to 28 October. Evidence shows that someone who reaches 28 days smoke-free is five times more likely to quit for good.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health. It is never too late, and every quit attempt is a step forward—even if previous attempts have not worked.
Make this your month to quit
- Choose a quit date: Pick a day and prepare by removing cigarettes, tobacco, lighters and ashtrays.
- Know your triggers: Plan what you will do when a craving starts, such as taking a short walk, drinking water or calling someone who supports you.
- Use proven support: Stop-smoking medicines, nicotine replacement products, regulated nicotine vapes and behavioural support can help manage cravings.
- Track your progress: Use the free NHS Quit Smoking app or create an NHS Personal Quit Plan for daily support and practical advice.
- Keep going: A slip does not mean failure. Learn from it, restart and remember that every attempt takes you closer to quitting for good.
Health improvements begin quickly. Within 20 minutes, pulse rate starts returning to normal. After eight hours, oxygen levels recover and the carbon monoxide level in the blood falls by half. Over the following weeks and months, circulation, breathing and lung function can improve.
Free support across Lincolnshire
- One You Lincolnshire offers a free 12-week stop-smoking programme for Lincolnshire residents, including one-to-one coaching and support to find the right quit aid. Residents can call 01522 705 162 or search online for One You Lincolnshire Be Smoke Free.
People who are pregnant can speak to their midwife for specialist stop-smoking support. Help may also be available from GP practices, community pharmacies, local stop-smoking services and the NHS Better Health quit-smoking service.
Friends, relatives and colleagues can help by listening without judgement, celebrating progress and avoiding smoking around someone who is trying to quit. Creating a smoke-free home also protects children and other household members from second-hand smoke.
“Stopping smoking can improve your health from the very first day, and you do not have to do it alone. Stoptober is a chance to join other people making the same change and use the support available in your area. If you have tried before, please try again—every quit attempt counts.”
Steve Clapton, Assistant Director of Health Protection and Prevention speaking on behalf of the DLN cluster ICB
To begin, search online for NHS Stoptober, download the free NHS Quit Smoking app or contact your local stop-smoking service. Choose your quit date, tell someone who can support you and take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future.