Wakefield is saying ‘Yes to Quit’ with new smoking campaign
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Wakefield Council is supporting a new regional campaign which asks people ‘what will you miss?’ more than smoking.
It highlights important life events such as weddings, births or quality time with others, that two in three smokers will miss by dying too soon, unless they quit.
In Wakefield, around 550 people die of smoking related illnesses every year, that's 45 every month.
“Most people who smoke get addicted as young people and desperately want to stop. This new campaign emphasises the harms of tobacco and provides information and support to help people say yes to quitting.
“Working across Yorkshire and the Humber will mean we can help more people to find the right services to support them to quit smoking.
“It is important for smokers to know that they are not alone on their journey towards quitting and that any attempt is a step in the right direction. In Wakefield, our friendly local services are here to help you all the way.”
Cllr Michelle Collins
Cabinet Member for Adults and Health
Throughout the campaign, people will be sharing their experiences of quitting and what worked for them.
In West Yorkshire, 12.1% of the adult population smoke (2023). The smoking prevalence varies across West Yorkshire, with three areas being above the England average of 11.6% (Kirklees (12.5%), Bradford (14.4%), and Wakefield (12.9%)) and two areas more in line with the England average (Calderdale (9.1%), Leeds (11.1%)). The Government has set out its ambition for England to be smokefree by 2030 where smoking rates will be 5% or less.
Smoking prevalence, mortality and ill health can be found here, and can be shown by local authority: Smoking Profile - Data | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care
The Yes to Quit website, yestoquit.co.uk, shares information about ways to quit and links to local stop smoking services. Or get in touch with free, local stop smoking services at wakefield.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/ or call 0800 612 0011, free from landlines, or 0330 660 1166.