Quit smoking this New Year in six simple steps

There’s lots of support available for Lambeth residents who want to quit smoking this New Year. Stop Smoking London has launched “Six for 2026”, a positive, action-focused campaign highlighting six proven ways Londoners can get support to stop smoking. Each option offers a clear, achievable starting point, helping people choose the route that works best for them.

Ruth Hutt, Lambeth Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Stopping smoking is one of the most effective ways to improve your health, whatever your age. With the right support — including behavioural advice and nicotine replacement therapy — people are far more likely to quit for good. Campaigns like Six for 2026 make it easier for Lambeth residents to find a quitting option that works for them.”

Cllr Nanda Manley-Browne, Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board Co-Chair and Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities (job-share) added: “We’re proud to invest in smoking cessation services because they save lives and play a vital role in tackling longstanding health inequalities in Lambeth. We know that quitting smoking isn’t easy, particularly for residents facing multiple pressures, which is why accessible, free support is so important. This campaign is about prevention, fairness, and giving people the right support to live healthier, longer lives – regardless of their circumstances.”

Ready to make a change?

Make the January 2026 the time you stop smoking with these six steps:

1. Make a list of reasons start strong this New Year

Make a list of the reasons you want to stop smoking: your health, family, money, or simply feeling better every day. Having your reasons written down will help keep you focused when motivation dips.

2. Use free local services and stop smoking aids

Your local stop smoking service can offer free, expert support, nicotine replacement therapies, or a vape to help you quit. Getting the right support increases your chances of success. There are specialist services available for Lambeth residents:

• Free one-to-one support and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or a vaping kit from Lambeth Specialist Stop Smoking Service, delivered by Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust for specific groups of people.
• Community pharmacies across the borough you can walk in to get free support.

Full details at: Lambeth’s specialist stop smoking services.

3. Pick your quit date

Choosing a quit date gives you a clear goal. Set a date, make a plan and get ready start 2026 smoke free.

4. Get your support in place

Let friends and family know your plan. Reach out to your local stop smoking service and get stop smoking aids ready. Having support lined up makes it much easier to stay on track.

5. Be prepared for triggers

Think ahead about situations that might make you want to smoke. Stress, drinking, certain places or routines. Plan how you’ll deal with them so you stay in control.

6. Use the Smoke Free App

Track your progress, stay motivated, and get daily support with the Smoke Free App. It’s a simple way to build confidence and keep going, wherever you are. Download the Smoke Free app.

What changes when you go smokefree

Every day you stay smokefree, your body bounces back—your lungs heal, your energy rises and life opens up again. Quitting is the start of feeling stronger, healthier, more in control and with more money in your pocket—and it begins the moment you put out your last cigarette. Explore more benefits of quitting smoking.

A Lambeth Together priority

Tobacco use is the leading behavioural cause of death locally, accounting for 23.3% of deaths in Lambeth in 2019. Smoking cessation is therefore high priority for Lambeth Together’s Staying Healthy Programme.