Supporting more residents to quit as Oxfordshire continues smokefree drive
People who smoke in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to take a positive step towards quitting as Oxfordshire County Council continues its work to become a smokefree county.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and early death and is a major driver of health inequalities.
The new Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy (2026 - 2030) brings together partners across health, local government, and the voluntary sector with a shared ambition to continue work to make Oxfordshire a smokefree county - defined as smoking prevalence below five per cent.
Launched to coincide with No Smoking Day, which was marked on 11 March, the strategy focuses on five key areas: working in partnership, preventing uptake, supporting smokers to quit, creating smokefree environments, and regulation and enforcement. Together, these aim to protect children and young people, support people who want to stop smoking, and ensure everyone can live healthier lives free from the harms of tobacco.
Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our new Tobacco Control Strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to help people in Oxfordshire stop smoking and to prevent the next generation from ever starting.
“Tobacco use continues to drive unfair health inequalities across our communities, and tackling it is central to our commitment to improving public health. By working with our partners and supporting residents to quit, we can move closer to a smokefree Oxfordshire.”
The strategy builds on previous progress in reducing smoking rates locally, while recognising that continued action is needed to support those most affected by smoking‑related harm, including people living in more deprived communities and those with long‑term health conditions.
There is a wealth of free local support available to help smokers take the first step towards quitting, including expert advice and stop smoking aids, through the county council’s local stop smoking service, SmokeFree Oxfordshire.
Find out what support is available to quit for good by visiting SmokeFree Oxfordshire’s website, freephone 0800 772 3673 or texting QUITOXON to 66777.
The Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy 2026 to 2030 is available to read in full on the county council’s website.
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