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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After quitting her forty year smoking habit, outdoors loving Angela Face is celebrating another achievement – climbing Snowdon for the first time!

Following her experiences of taking part in Oxfordshire County Council’s Allen Carr’s Easway (ACE) stop smoking pilot, the Henley resident is encouraging others to take advantage of other local stop smoking services and quit for good.

Angela, who is 53 years old, first started smoking aged just 13 following a family move to Scotland.

She explained: “It wasn't due to peer pressure as most people would assume. It was something that I did on my own and in secret. I started as a bit of a rebellion to my parents as they were quite strict. I would use my dinner money to buy them and hide them outside.

"It was a desire for some control, but little did I know of course that the cigarettes would end up controlling me!”

She admitted she’d previously tried to quit about six or seven times unsuccessfully, being motivated by her own children’s dislike of the habit.

“They would turn away from me if I gave them a hug, because of the smell – I hated that. And my kids being grown up now and the possibility of having grandchildren, I didn’t like the thought of smoking around them.

“I’d tried all sorts in the past – lozenges, patches, tablets but each time I went back to smoking.”

Not wanting to give up on giving up, Angela discovered the council’s pilot through a Facebook ad. After giving her details, she was contacted by a member of the team who booked her onto a seminar.

The method she undertook focuses on the mental element of the addiction and looks to change a person’s mindset to addiction.

It is just one of a range of stop smoking options that was on offer to Angela by the council’s local stop smoking service.

“It made me realise that smoking was controlling me, my life. While people think smoking can help with stress, it was in fact the total opposite, I was more stressed thinking about when I could have my next cigarette. It was as though I’d been brainwashed into thinking I needed a cigarette.

“Once I managed to change my mindset, and break out of the habit, it was easy. There’s been no cravings or anything. It’s just been crazily easy.”

Since quitting last September, Angela is already reaping the benefits, feeling fitter than ever before, and enjoying more freedom. She even noticed that she’s become more productive at work.

“I get much more done in my work day now. I'm being more productive rather than ducking out for a cigarette every half an hour. I was the only smoker in my  team and I probably lost quite a lot of hours, to be honest.

“I feel amazing too. The healthiest I’ve been in a long time.

“I climbed Snowdon for the first time this year. I work with young people, and they climb it every year. I’d avoided it until this year as I thought I’d be huffing and puffing at the back. But this year it was my goal to finally climb the mountain.”

For those thinking of quitting, Angela has this to say: “It’s worth doing, if you want to do it. Don't worry if you'll fail. Normally I would have felt so embarrassed but the support team during the pilot was amazing and just encouraged me to try do it again.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Angela’s lovely story is just one of many that highlight the difference that quitting smoking can make not just on personal health, but on your day to day life.

“It’s great we were able to offer the pilot here in Oxfordshire. By reframing smoking, it empowers individuals to reclaim control, proving that the journey to quitting is as much about self-discovery as it is about breaking a habit.

“There’s so much to gain from quitting smoking. It’s clear that for Angela, climbing Snowdon wasn’t just a physical achievement, it was a symbol of newfound freedom and possibility that quitting unlocked.

“Her experience shows that with the right mindset, support and guidance, what once seemed daunting can become not only achievable, but surprisingly simple. I am so pleased for Angela, and I hope her story inspires others to quit.

“Stopping smoking with support means you are more likely to quit for good. There are plenty of other ways our stop smoking service can help you – free of charge.”

Oxfordshire County Council commissioned a two phase pilot of ACE and is currently evaluating the outcome of the programme. 

The council’s free stop smoking service, Smoke Free Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. Find out more by visiting Smoke Free Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.

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School children at Brookside Primary School in Bicester have thrown their support behind a new initiative to reduce children’s exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.

Oxfordshire County Council’s smoke free school gates campaign aims to encourage more smoke free zones at school entrances throughout the county.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “We all know about the risks of second hand smoking. On top of that, around two thirds of smokers started as children, and young people are four times more likely to light up if they live with a smoker.

“That’s why we want to encourage initiatives such as these to help normalise healthy smoke free environments for children and young people.

“Brookside has set the standard for what can be achieved when a school community comes together to protect children’s health. We’re eager to see more schools follow their example.”

Pupils at the school were involved in researching the health risks of second-hand smoke and, with support and signage provided by the council, created educational materials for parents and carers.

The campaign will be delivered alongside national efforts including Stoptober, helping to raise awareness and support families who want to stop smoking.

James Watt, Deputy Head of Brookside Primary, said: “This has been a whole school effort. Our children took the lead in learning about the dangers of smoking and worked with staff to create a healthier school environment.

“This scheme has not only changed behaviours around the school gates but has also helped some families begin their journey towards quitting”.

The council’s free stop smoking service, Smoke Free Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. People can find out more by visiting Smoke Free Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.

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In Oxfordshire, more than 1,000 people quit each year with the support of Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Stoptober is the perfect time to make a go of giving up cigarettes. No matter how long you’ve been smoking for, quitting is well worth it!

“Giving up smoking not only greatly benefits your physical health by making you feel fitter and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing and save you money.

“We understand the challenges people face in their journey to give up smoking. That’s why there are tools and aids to support everyone in their journey to a smoke free life. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire.”

Over 60,000 adults in Oxfordshire and over five million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

Research shows that people who smoke and give up for a whole month are up to five times more likely to stay smoke free for good.

The benefits of quitting start almost immediately including improved stress levels, feeling fitter and better taste and smell. In the long-term, quitting smoking can help someone to live longer, reduce their risk of disease and breathing problems, and save on average of £365 a month.

Nicotine replacement included vapes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon.

Find out what support is available by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.

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Since its launch, the Stoptober campaign held during October has helped over 2.5 million people across England to quit smoking. In Oxfordshire, more than 1,000 people quit each year with the support of the stop smoking service.

The benefits of quitting start almost immediately, and research shows that smokers who give up for a whole month are up to five times more likely to stay smoke free for good.

Just two days after quitting, sense of taste and smell will start to improve, at three months the amount air that lungs can hold has increased and by a year the risk of a heart attack will have halved.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “When you stop smoking good things start to happen. Beating the addiction brings huge improvement to mental and physical wellbeing, as well as financial benefits. It is estimated that giving up a ten a day habit could save around £2,000 a year. 

“We want to make Oxfordshire smoke free as part of our wider tobacco control strategy and inspire the county’s first smoke free generation.

“We know how daunting it can be for people to give up smoking. That’s why there are tools and aids to support everyone in their journey to a smoke free life. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire.”

Nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon.

Find out what support is available to quit for good by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.

Discover more about Oxfordshire’s tobacco control strategy and how to make a difference by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Statistics show that there is a higher prevalence of smokers among people with mental health difficulties. That is why Oxfordshire County Council and partners are joining forces to support residents who smoke to stop this October.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities said: “This year, we want to dispel some of the myths around mental wellbeing and smoking and help people quit for good.

“Often people will take up smoking in the first place, or be discouraged to quit, based on the myth that smoking can help to relieve stress and relieve mental health difficulties. However, nicotine is a physically addictive substance, so often that relief is simply a result of giving your body more of it – a ‘fix’.

“Once somebody can beat that addiction, most will find that their mental wellbeing improves significantly knowing they are no longer dependent on cigarettes – not to mention the financial and physical health benefits that come along with it.

“We know it can be daunting for individuals with mental health struggles to give quitting a go but there is plenty of support out there to help overcome the barriers, regardless of your situation.”

Rose Hombo, Deputy Director of Quality at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Smoking is a cause of poor mental health across the whole population. Indirectly, through its impact on physical health, income, and employment, and directly, by increasing the risk of some mental health conditions (such as depression and schizophrenia) and through the creation of addiction, which inhibits people’s mental wellbeing. 

“In this month of Stoptober, we are putting up a series of meaningful and practical activities to help you as a smoker to start your journey to quit for good. There are lots of benefits to stop smoking and yours can start immediately. There will be a series of activities within all our NHS trust sites – all free to access.”

Nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon, Oxfordshire County Council’s local stop smoking service.

Find out what support is available to quit for good by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.

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