The public health team is encouraging residents to quit smoking for good this October. The team is launching ‘Step into Stoptober’, their local take on the national Stoptober campaign.
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in England, killing around 76,000 people in the UK every year.1 In Bracknell Forest, 18,000 adults still smoke, this is 14% of Bracknell Forest’s population.2
Stoptober is a national campaign that helps people to quit smoking for 28 days over October. Evidence shows that those who make it to 4 weeks smoke-free are 5 times more likely to quit for good.
This year, our public health team is adding a local twist by combining movement and motivation to support residents on their journey to better health. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a dance in the kitchen, or a lunchtime stretch at work, every step counts. Individuals, families, community groups, and workplaces are all invited to get involved.
If you’re ready to quit:
- text QUIT to 66777
- visit Smokefree Life Berkshire
Cllr Megan Wright, Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, said:
“We’re proud to support residents in Bracknell Forest to take that first step toward quitting smoking. Step into Stoptober is about more than just giving up cigarettes, it’s about gaining health, confidence, and community support.
“By combining movement with motivation, we’re making this year’s campaign more engaging and inclusive than ever. Whether you’re quitting yourself, or supporting someone else, every step counts.”
Charlotte Pavitt, Director of Public Health at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“If you are a smoker, stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do for your health and wellbeing.
“Through our Step into Stoptober campaign, we’re creating a fun, inclusive way to raise awareness and encourage people to take that first step toward a smoke-free future.”
Bracknell Forest residents can access Smokefree Life Berkshire, the council’s free, local stop smoking service. The service offers residents tailored and one-to-one support from trained stop smoking advisors.
The team of advisors offers a personalised programme which includes access to nicotine replacement therapies and prescription medication to support each individual quit journey.
Smokers are up to 3 times more likely to quit smoking for good if they use expert support, especially when combining it with stop smoking treatments and aids.3
Those who sign up to the local stop smoking service in October will receive a £15 Waitrose voucher.
Linda (pictured), a Bracknell Forest resident who quit smoking with help from the local service, said:
“I was a smoker for 50 years and always struggled to give up. I tried on 3 different occasions and wasn’t successful until I joined Smokefree Life Berkshire.
“My smoking advisor spoke through the different options I could have, and called me every Friday to discuss how my week had been. He kept me really focused and that was so important to me. I have been smokefree for 3 years, and the benefits I am feeling now far outweigh why I smoked all those years. I am more able to exercise, I no longer get breathless, and I get much more enjoyment with my family and grandchildren.
“I couldn’t have done it without that support.”
To find out more about how you can start your quitting journey, or to support family and friends, visit Smokefree Life Berkshire.
How to get involved
- Share your movement video or quit stories on social media using the hashtag #StepIntoStoptober.
- Tag Bracknell Forest public health on:
- 1
Part 2: Smoking-related mortality, NHS Digital
- 2
Smoking profile data, Department for Health and Social Care
- 3
