Stoptober 2026: Total Wellbeing Luton encourages smokers to make October the month they quit
This October, Total Wellbeing Luton is encouraging local smokers to take part in Stoptober 2026 and make a positive change by quitting smoking for good.
Stoptober is the annual national stop smoking campaign that encourages people to stop smoking for the month of October. Research shows that people who stop smoking for 28 days are significantly more likely to quit for good.
The Total Wellbeing Luton Stop Smoking Service is supporting local residents throughout Stoptober with free, friendly and confidential advice and medical support to help them take the first steps towards becoming smoke-free.
Total Wellbeing Luton offers up to 6 weeks Nicotine Replacement Therapy and / or Swap to Stop Kits (Vape Kits), and up to 12 weeks of one-to-one support.
Quitting smoking can bring benefits to health and wellbeing very quickly. Within days of stopping, the body begins to recover, while over time the risk of serious smoking-related illnesses continues to fall. There are also financial benefits, with people who quit potentially saving hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year.
Smoking continues to have a significant impact on the health and economy of Luton. Latest local data shows that around 1 in 6 people aged 16 and over in Luton smoke, with a smoking prevalence of 16.43% recorded in January 2025.
The impact is not just felt through health. According to Luton’s Annual Public Health Report, smoking is estimated to cost the town £271 million every year, including £167 million in lost productivity.
Nazima Lami, Senior Health Specialist Manager from Total Wellbeing Luton, said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity for anyone who smokes, to make a fresh start. Quitting can feel difficult, but you don't have to do it alone. Our Stop Smoking Service offers practical, personalised support to help people manage cravings, stay motivated and work towards becoming smoke-free.
“Whether you have tried to quit before or this is your first attempt, we want people in Luton to know that support is available. Even if you've struggled in the past, every quit attempt is a step in the right direction.”
The Total Wellbeing Luton Stop Smoking Service can provide tailored support based on each person's needs. This may include advice on managing cravings and triggers, setting a quit date, behavioural support and information about stop smoking aids.
This Stoptober, residents are being encouraged to:
Set a quit date and prepare for the month ahead.
Get support rather than trying to quit alone.
Identify situations and triggers that make them want to smoke.
Find healthier alternatives when cravings strike.
Celebrate milestones and remember why they decided to quit.
Anyone in Luton who smokes and would like support to quit can contact the Total Wellbeing Luton Stop Smoking Service.
For more information or to access support:
Total Wellbeing Luton Stop Smoking Service
Visit: https://www.totalwellbeingluton.org/
Call: 0300 555 4152
Text: STOPTOBER to 60066 (Standard network rates apply)
Or find us at The Wellbeing Hub - Frasers Plus (opposite Poundland) Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.