Portsmouth Wellbeing Service Stoptober campaign has supported 300 city residents and workers to set quit dates, marking a significant milestone for the free council-run programme that celebrated its 10th anniversary in October.
The Portsmouth City Council initiative provided specialist advice and drop-in support throughout October, helping smokers take their first steps towards a tobacco-free life. The service, which costs nothing to access, has become a vital resource for those looking to quit smoking in the Portsmouth area.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, highlighted the comprehensive benefits: “Stopping smoking brings improved breathing, increased energy levels, stress reduction, and substantial financial savings. It’s the single most important step a smoker can take for their wellbeing.”
Research demonstrates that smokers are three times more successful when using local stop smoking services compared to attempting to quit through willpower alone. Those who remain smoke-free for 28 days are five times more likely to quit permanently.
Portsmouth Wellbeing Service Stoptober participants work with experienced practitioners who recommend personalised quitting methods. Support includes nicotine-replacement therapy products like patches, gum, and lozenges, plus prescription medications available for a single prescription charge. Free vapes and e-liquids are provided to those aged 18 and over, with both telephone and face-to-face consultations available.
Phil from Buckland shared his experience: “Going cold turkey proved extremely difficult, so I contacted Portsmouth Wellbeing Service. After three weeks of consistent support, something clicked mentally, and I genuinely believed I could succeed—I haven’t smoked since.”
The service operates weekly drop-in clinics across Portsmouth at:
- Tesco Extra, Fratton (PO4 8FD): Mondays, 1-3pm
- John Pounds Centre (PO1 3HN): Tuesdays, 9am-12pm
- John Jenkins Stadium (PO3 6LA): Wednesdays, 4-7pm
- Paulsgrove Community Centre (PO6 4JB): Thursdays, 4-7pm
No appointments are necessary, and anyone living or working in PO1-PO6 postcodes can attend.
Malick from Milton commented: “The journey has been excellent, with Portsmouth Wellbeing Service providing unwavering support from day one.”
Glyn from Southsea added: “The service offered tremendous encouragement and fitted perfectly around my daily schedule. I’ve been warmly received at every weekly session, and with their guidance, I’ve remained smoke-free and feel incredibly optimistic about my future.”
The service supports Portsmouth’s goal of becoming smoke-free by 2030, aligned with the Government’s 2019 ambition for England to achieve ‘smokefree’ status when adult smoking prevalence reaches 5% or below.
