Wakefield smokers urged to take part in Stoptober 2026
Monday, September 28, 2026
Wakefield Council is supporting Stoptober 2026 by helping people to stop smoking for good.
"The Stoptober campaign helps smokers to take the first step towards quitting. In recent years, thanks to local and national initiatives, there has been good progress in reducing smoking rates across the district. However, 1 in 9 adults still smoke in the district, that’s around 34,000 people.
“Smoking causes huge harm. We're urging smokers across the district to think about taking those first steps towards quitting for good.”
Cllr Ansar Hayat
Cabinet Member for Adults & Health
Wakefield resident Chris is lending his support after he quit smoking with help from his local stop smoking service almost 18 months ago after typically smoking between 30-40 cigarettes per day.
Chris said: "I guess like many people who have smoked, there's always been that niggle inside about how it's unhealthy or expensive. That niggle was always pushed to one side, and I would always find a thousand excuses to continue.
"After a while, I developed a cough which I disregarded, and thought would eventually go away but it didn't. When at the doctors for an unrelated issue, the doctor noticed my cough and sent me the link to the Yorkshire Smokefree website.
"I reached out and chatted with the team. They were helpful and non-judgmental. They helped me to understand how I could quit and once I began the medication, I never looked back.
"My health has improved which seems obvious but it's the little things you notice. Going up the stairs is easier, my resting heart rate has dropped from 80bpm to 60bpm so I'm naturally calmer too. I'm starting to get my appetite back as well.
"If you feel like you need help to stop smoking, don't put it off any longer. Working with Yorkshire Smokefree has been great and they are willing to give you help with anything you need but you must make the first move. Once you do, you're a team and with a great team – anything is possible."
Cllr Hayat continued: “Chris's story is a prime example of how quitting smoking can improve your life, health, finances and overall wellbeing."
Stoptober is a national campaign which encourages smokers to stop smoking for 28 days. This is backed by research that people who quit for 28 days are five times more likely to stop smoking for life.
The Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield service will be attending events and venues to support the Stoptober campaign. The service will be delivering smoking awareness advice, carrying out Carbon Monoxide tests and taking referrals. You can find out more information here.
People can get advice and support any time through the Yorkshire Smokefree service who will help them on their journey to stop smoking.
To find local support to stop smoking, visit Yorkshire Smokefree or call 01924 252174.