NHS Stoptober 2026 campaign
Stoptober 2026 runs from 17 September to 1 November 2026, with the main 28‑day quit challenge taking place from 1–31 October, supported by NHS Better Health and new campaign themes including mental health, “Closer Each Time,” and “For Everyone.”
Overview
Stoptober is an annual public health campaign in the UK that encourages smokers to quit smoking for 28 days during the month of October. When you stop smoking, good things start to happen — you can begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health, as well as your finances.
So this October, join the thousands of smokers committing to quitting. Stop smoking for 28 days and you're 5 times more likely to give up for good.
It's much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.
What’s New in 2026
The 2026 campaign introduces three new content themes:
- Mental health: highlighting the link between smoking, stress and wellbeing
- Closer Each Time: normalising multiple quit attempts
- For Everyone: emphasising benefits for family and community
Please visit the links below for National and local Quit Smoking Support:
Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS
For local support ⬇️
Website: Healthy Cornwall - Complete their enquiry form ⬇️
Tel: 01872 324200
Email: healthy.cornwall@cornwall.gov.uk
Pharmacies ⬇️
Many pharmacies offer stop-smoking schemes with tailored advice and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) to help you quit.
GP Surgery ⬇️
You may be able to access nicotine-free medicines from your GP. When you combine this medicine with NRTs, you are over 5 times more likely to quit smoking for good!
National Smokefree Helpline:
You can also reach out to the National Smokefree Helpline to talk to a trained adviser for advice and support.
Call 0300 123 1044 (England only).
Lines are open:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm