New Year Stop Smoking Campaign Launches Across Birmingham

Birmingham City Council Public Health has launched a campaign encouraging residents to choose to stop smoking this new year by accessing free* local support available across the city. Research shows that individuals who remain smokefree for 28 days are up to five times more likely to quit permanently. 

The campaign reframes quitting as a positive, empowered choice rather than giving something up, focusing on choosing better health, wellbeing, and quality of life for yourself and those around you. Residents who choose to quit can access 12 weeks of free support through the Birmingham Stop Smoking Service, delivered by local pharmacies, businesses, and GPs.  

This launch follows Birmingham recently celebrating a significant milestone, with smoking prevalence falling to a record low of 12.2%, down from 13.6% in 2023. This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of the city's stop smoking programme in tackling what remains the leading cause of preventable death in Birmingham. 

Throughout January, the campaign will reach residents through social media, digital platforms, radio, and out-of-home displays across the city.  

Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council, said: "The New Year is the perfect time for Birmingham residents to choose a healthier future by stopping smoking. We know that quitting isn't easy, but with the right support, it's absolutely achievable.  

“Our 12-week stop smoking programme has already helped drive smoking rates down to record lows in Birmingham, and we want to build on this success. Every person who quits smoking is making a positive choice, not just for themselves, but for those closest to them.” 

The campaign also forms part of the wider Smokefree Generation initiative, which aims to reduce health inequalities by achieving a smoking prevalence of less than 5% in Birmingham by 2030, in line with the national Smokefree 2030 target. 

To learn more and access support, visit birmingham.gov.uk/stopsmoking

*The Stop Smoking Service is free to those who do not pay for prescriptions. If you do pay for prescriptions, you will be charged a single prescription fee for the duration of the 12-week programme.