05/10/2026
We've launched a new campaign encouraging smokers to take the first step towards a smoke-free future by focusing on the gains they could achieve over the next 90 days, from improved health to more money in their pocket by the New Year.
Launching during Stoptober, the 90 Days to Quit campaign recognises the importance of the first 12 weeks of a quit attempt where smokers are building new habits and overcoming cravings. The campaign showcases the benefits people experience at 30, 60 and 90 days as they progress from quitting smoking to living smoke free.
While smoking rates in Darlington are the lowest in the North-east and local levels remain significantly below the national average, there are still around 14,000 people across the borough who smoke.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of ill health and premature death and is a major driver of health inequalities, with its impact felt most acutely in the town's most deprived communities and among some ethnic minority groups. Smoking is also associated with increased anxiety and stress and significantly raises the risk of a range of serious conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Darlington Stop Smoking Service offers free advice, guidance and evidence-based support to help people on their journey to becoming smoke-free. They also provide a range of free quitting products including medication, vapes and Ni****ne Replacement Therapy (NRT) to those making a quit attempt.
Referrals to the service continue to rise, and the latest data shows that almost 60% of people who accessed their support and set a quit date were smoke free after four weeks - a powerful reminder that with the right help, you can ditch the ci******es and enjoy the freedom of being a non-smoker.
Some of the benefits people can expect to enjoy include breathing more easily, having more energy, better circulation and improved lung function as well as a reduced risk in smoke related diseases. The average smoker could also save up to £800 by Christmas, reducing the financial burden during the festive period.
Appointments with the service can be face to face or via telephone and are available for people of all ages, including teenagers. Visit https://www.darlington.gov.uk/public-health/stop-smoking-services/ or tel. 0800 802 1850.
Darlington residents can also access quit products and 24/7 support through the Smokefree app, which provides personalised quit plans, daily motivation, progress tracking and access to specialist advisers.
Cllr Stephen Harker, leader of the council said: "We are committed to helping residents live longer, healthier lives, and stopping smoking is one of the most important steps anyone can take to improve their health. Whatever your age, and no matter how long you have smoked, the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately.
"It's never too late to stop, and people are far more likely to succeed with the right support. By contacting Darlington Stop Smoking Service today, you could be giving yourself an early Christmas present, one that leaves you healthier, wealthier and smoke free by the New Year."
