Release date: 19 October 2026
More than 3,700 local people have quit smoking with support from Smokefree West Sussex since the service expanded in October 2024, thanks to government funding.
Smokers looking to quit this Stoptober can make the most of free expert support in their local area, including from a mobile stop-smoking unit touring West Sussex.
The mobile unit is one of a range of services offered by Smokefree West Sussex. Staffed by trained ‘Quit 4 Wellbeing’ stop-smoking advisors, it offers on-the-spot advice, free Quit Kits* and information about further support available to help people stop smoking.
Suzie from Littlehampton is one of the thousands of residents who have successfully quit smoking with support from Smokefree West Sussex. She said: "After 53 years of smoking, I never thought I'd be able to quit. When I was diagnosed with lung cancer just two weeks into my quit attempt, the support from Quit 4 Wellbeing became even more important.
“My advisor helped me through every challenge and tailored support to how I was feeling, especially during treatment and recovery. I'm incredibly proud to be smoke-free and, if I can do it, there is hope for anyone who wants to quit."
Available support includes:
- Quit 4 Wellbeing - a specialist countywide stop-smoking service offering face-to-face and telephone support.
- The Smokefree app - a digital stop-smoking service available to West Sussex residents.
- Local West Sussex Wellbeing teams, run by district and borough councils, offer support to improve health and wellbeing, including help to stop smoking, manage weight, become more active, and reduce alcohol consumption.
Residents can access support free of charge and do not need a referral.
Councillor Ian Davey, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:
"There's never been a better time to quit smoking. As we work towards a smoke-free future, our local services are here to support anyone who wants to stop smoking for good.
"Evidence shows that people who stay smoke-free for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good, and their chances of success increase even further with support.
"By bringing support closer to residents through our mobile unit and a range of accessible services, we hope more people like Suzie will take that first step towards becoming smoke-free."
For more information about Smokefree West Sussex, visit the website or call 0330 222 7980.
www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/topics/smoking/services-for-west-sussex
The mobile stop-smoking unit will continue to visit communities across West Sussex throughout the year, helping residents access expert advice and support closer to home. Upcoming dates and locations are regularly updated online.
www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/roadshow
*Smokefree West Sussex is offering free Quit Kits while stocks last. Find out more:
www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/topics/smoking/free-quit-kit
Editor's notes
- Stoptober is a national campaign that encourages smokers to quit for 28 days. Research shows that people who stay smoke free for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good.
- Latest figures (2022-2024) show that 11.6 % of the adult population (aged 18+) are smokers. Approximately 90,000 people in West Sussex smoke and smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in the county.
- The Tobacco and Vapes Act became law in April 2026. From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The legislation aims to protect future generations from the harms of smoking and help create the UK's first smoke-free generation.
