New stop smoking campaign encourages people to call or click for support

A new national campaign encouraging people who smoke to get free support from Quit Your Way, NHS Scotland’s stop smoking service, is now underway.

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of poor health and premature death in Scotland. With just under 600,000 people still smoking, reaching the Scottish Government’s ambition of a smoke free Scotland by 2034 requires additional interventions to remind those who smoke of the benefits of stopping smoking and the help available.

Developed by Public Health Scotland (PHS) in collaboration with NHS 24 and NHS boards, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the support available to anyone who wants to stop smoking. Quit Your Way offers help through NHS inform, a free telephone helpline, and a pharmacy-based programme of support.

More than 8,000 deaths each year are linked to smoking-related conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Smoking is also associated with poorer mental health. Stopping smoking brings significant health benefits at any stage of life.

Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said:
“Health risks substantially fall with stopping smoking, even for people who have smoked for a long time. It is even more important to stop smoking if pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, for the health of both mother and baby.

“Quit Your Way Scotland is a free advice and support service to help anyone trying to stop smoking. While some people want to stop, they don’t know how. We’re here to help.”

The latest NHS Stop Smoking Services Scotland report (April 24 – March 25) recorded 31,095 quit attempts, highlighting that many people are motivated to stop smoking. This new campaign aims to ensure even more people know where to turn for support.

This initiative is a strong example of how PHS is working with partners to reduce harm from tobacco, one of the key aims outlined in our new 10 year strategy.

More information on stop smoking support can be found on NHS inform:
Smoking | NHS inform

Read more about smoking related statistics: NHS Stop Smoking Service Scotland report (April 2024–March 2025)

Find out more about PHS’s ten-year strategy: Strategic vision - Together we can: our 10-year strategy to 2035 - What we do and how we work - About us - Public Health Scotland