Release date: 3 March 2026
West Sussex County Council’s Quit4Wellbeing team is celebrating a successful first year, having supported more than 900 residents since April 2025 to begin their journey towards a smoke‑free life. Of those who set a quit date, 66% remained smoke‑free after four weeks.
Quit4Wellbeing is part of the range of Smokefree West Sussex services which, collectively, have supported over 3000 quit attempts since April. The service is free to anyone who lives or works in West Sussex and more information is available by visiting Smokefree West Sussex or calling 0330 222 7980. Support is available face‑to‑face, by phone or via the Smokefree app.
Maria, a 62‑year‑old grandmother from Bognor Regis, is one of the many residents who has turned her life around with the service’s support.
“After smoking for more than 40 years, I never thought I’d be the one to quit, but with the support of the Quit4Wellbeing team, I finally started to believe I could,” she said. “Six months on, I feel in control of my health and my future.”
A major spinal operation prompted her to make a change.
“It was the wake-up call I needed. I wanted to recover well, keep up with my grandchildren and give myself some peace of mind. With weekly support from the Quit4Wellbeing service, along with the nicotine spray and lozenges they provided, I did it, and I’m so proud.”
“The best part is how much better I feel: no more chest rumbling at night, more energy, and now I’m even thinking about getting more active. If sharing my story helps someone else take that first step with Quit4Wellbeing, it’s worth it.”
Councillor Bob Lanzer, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said:
“Last year we launched our ‘It’s Well Worth It’ campaign to encourage smokers to make a quit attempt and access the free expert support available from the Smokefree West Sussex services.
“We’re proud of everyone who’s taken that step, including inspiring people like Maria and we want to help even more residents quit for good.
“You’re three times more likely to stop smoking with the right support, and even if you’ve tried before, the range of quit aids and expert help available now makes a real difference. Our Quit4Wellbeing team is ready to support you.”
Smokefree West Sussex services include:
• Quit 4 Wellbeing – a specialist, countywide stop smoking service providing personalised face-to-face and telephone support.
• Smokefree app – a fully digital stop smoking service available to West Sussex residents, offering flexible support to quit.
• Wellbeing teams – delivered by district and borough councils, these teams provide stop smoking support alongside wider healthy-lifestyle advice, including maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity and drinking within recommended guidelines.
Find more information by visiting Smokefree West Sussex or calling 0330 222 7980. Further support is available face‑to‑face, by phone, or via the Smokefree app.
National No Smoking Day is on Wednesday 11 March 2026.
