Stop Smoking

Support for aspiring non-smokers

There are many reasons why people smoke. Everyone has their own triggers, including stress, boredom and socialising. 

Stopping smoking can be challenging, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our coaches and practitioners will work with you to understand your triggers and help you to manage them without smoking.

How can we help?

Our Stop Smoking services are free and available to everyone living or working in Essex (excluding Southend and Thurrock).

We’ll support you in finding the right treatment, advice and support in various locations across the County including GP surgeries, pharmacies and specialist clinics.

Ready to get started? Fill out our online assessment.

**Guidance on Stop Smoking Medication through the Essex Wellbeing Service**

The Essex Wellbeing Service is currently unable to signpost for Varenicline or other Stop Smoking, Prescribed Medications through the Service and in line with our Stop Smoking offer.

At present, we are reliant on support from Community Pharmacies for the service to be able to signpost to local pharmacies for the delivery and potential offer of Prescribed Stop Smoking Aids (medication / tablets).

We do not control the network of pharmacies, nor can provide direct support considering the offer of Varenicline or other Stop Smoking, Prescribed Medications, therefore our guidance is limited by what we receive direct from the Community Pharmacies, but we expect to have a confirmed list of active sites at the end of March / beginning of April.

We can otherwise offer our in-house Stop Smoking Programme or Allen Carr Easyway:

Allen Carr’s Easyway – online seminars

Allen Carr’s Easyway is delivered via an online seminar. Sessions last for around 5-6 hours for a group of up to 15 smokers. This method is 100% drug-free. 

The seminar presenter is an experienced therapist who has successfully used the method to quit smoking. It’s like a training day. There aren’t any health lectures or photos of smokers’ lungs or anything like that.

Instead, you’ll be helped to identify and understand the reasons why you smoke despite all the obvious disadvantages.

Find out more about Allen Carr’s Easyway or sign up online.

With our support, you’re four times more likely to stop for good

The benefits of stopping smoking grow over time: 

After 20 minutes
The pulse rate returns to normal. Contrary to common belief you will feel less stressed! NRT helps combat cravings which can be interpreted as stress.

After 8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are reduced by more than half and oxygen levels return to normal.

After 48 hours
Carbon monoxide and nicotine levels return to normal. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. The ability to taste and smell is improved. 

After 72 hours
Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

After 2-12 weeks
Your circulation improves. No more cold hands and feet.

After 3-9 months
Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.

After 1 year
The risk of heart disease is about half compared with a person who is still smoking.

After 10 years  
The risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

After 15 years
The risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.