Stoptober support available as Oxfordshire prepares for smokefree generation
People who smoke in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to take part in Stoptober and make use of free local support, as the county prepares for a national change designed to help protect future generations from the harms caused by smoking.
From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The age of sale will then rise by one year every year, creating the UK’s first smokefree generation.
The latest data estimates that around 7.5 per cent of adults in Oxfordshire smoked in 2024.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “While Oxfordshire’s smoking rates remain below the national average, around 50,000 adults smoke. We would like to support them to quit, just as 2,000 people did last year in the county.
“Smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable illness, but quitting is not always easy and no one should feel they have to do it alone. Stoptober is a positive opportunity for anyone who smokes to try stopping, with free, confidential and practical support available through Smokefree Oxon.
“Evidence indicates that most smokers take up the habit before the age of 20. This new law will help to prevent that. By helping people to quit now and stopping children from being sold tobacco in the future, we can support a healthier, fairer Oxfordshire.”
The smokefree generation policy is expected to protect around four million young people nationally from tobacco within the next five years.
The change builds on work already taking place across Oxfordshire to help children and young people grow up in healthier environments. This includes Smokefree School Gates, Smokefree Sidelines and INTENT, a school-based programme to prevent smoking and vaping. These initiatives support families, schools and community groups to reduce children’s exposure to smoking and vaping in everyday settings.
Alongside prevention and stop smoking support, the council’s trading standards team continues to take action against the illegal sale of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products.
Free and confidential help is available from Smokefree Oxon, including up to 12 weeks of specialist support, nicotine replacement products and stop smoking medicines. Find out more by calling 0800 772 3673, texting QUITOXON to 66677 or emailing smokefreeoxon.s4h@nhs.net.
Support now includes Allen Carr’s Easyway (ACE), a free stop smoking service funded by Oxfordshire County Council and available to residents and people who work in the county. It offers a single group seminar, delivered in person or online. The drug-free, evidence-based approach focuses on changing how people think about smoking, rather than relying on medication or willpower. Availability changes regularly, but people can join a waiting list and will be contacted when places become available.
Anyone who suspects illegal tobacco or vape sales, including sales to underage customers or of counterfeit products, can report their concerns to trading standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service.
Reports can be made by calling 0808 223 1133 or online through the Citizens Advice reporting service. Information provided helps local enforcement teams protect communities and tackle illegal trade.
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