As part of National No Smoking Day on Wednesday, 12 March, a 5-year ‘Smokefree Somerset’ campaign was launched by NHS Somerset and the Council’s Public Health Team to meet the ambitious government target of reducing the number of people smoking to only 5% by 2030.
In Somerset, this equates to helping 45,000 smokers to quit by 2030.
Kate Anderson from Somerset Council’s Public Health team said:
Whether you’re thinking about quitting, ready to quit, or need help staying smoke free, we’ve got tips and support to help you at every stage. Learn how to get through the tough times, stay focused, and quit for good.
In Somerset, we’re focusing on “What is Your Why?” to inspire Somerset residents to quit smoking by encouraging smokers to identify their personal reasons for quitting.
This approach shifts the focus from health warnings to personal motivation, making quitting feel more achievable and relevant.
With a target of around 45,000 needing to quit smoking in the county, we need to have a better understanding of not only what motivates people to quit smoking but also what motivates them to start and how best to communicate with them.
The Smokefree Somerset campaign targets those in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, individuals with mental health issues, adults experiencing homelessness and ethnic minority communities where smoking rates are higher or pose specific health concerns.
Why does it matter?
Smoking is the leading changeable lifestyle habit, which impacts both the length and quality of life. Smokers are 35% more likely to see their GP and 36% more likely to be admitted to hospital compared to non-smokers, highlighting the substantial burden smoking places on the healthcare system.
There are immediate benefits, when individuals quit smoking, including reduced hospital readmissions, shorter hospital stays, and fewer visits to A&E departments.
Smoking is also an expensive habit. On average, a smoker spends £2,488 annually on tobacco products. Estimates suggest that every cigarette takes 11 minutes off a person’s life. Tobacco is the only legal product that, when used as intended, kills a significant number of its users.
Key smoking statistics
- 12.6% of Somerset’s population smokes – that’s around 60,000 people
- 700 people die due to smoking each year with 1,700 being out of work due to ill health from smoking
- 21% of people in Somerset’s Core 20 (most disadvantaged) areas smoke compared to 11% in non-Core areas
- An estimated 26,100 children live in smoking households in Somerset
- Children are 3 times more likely to start smoking if their loved ones around them do
- An estimated 1,200 children start smoking each year
Smoking costs Somerset £190 million a year – through the impact on:
- Productivity – £152m
- Social care – £13.6m
- Health – £20.4m
- Fires – £ 3.58m
Thinking of giving up?
- Visit the Council’s Smokefree Somerset website
- Find out what made ex-smokers in Somerset quit by watching Steve’s Story NHS Somerset’s YouTube channel
- Watch Carl’s Smokefree Story on the Council’s YouTube channel
- Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app
Do you have experience with smoking, are you currently on your journey to quitting, or successfully quit in the past, the Council would love for you to be part of the campaign. Your stories can inspire and support others on their path to a smoke-free life.
Share your journey via the Council’s online questionnaire. Your story could motivate someone else to take the first step towards quitting.
