Bracknell Forest Council is encouraging residents to access free support to quit smoking this Stoptober and take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future.
Stoptober is the national campaign that encourages people to quit smoking during October. If you stop smoking for 28 days, you are 5 times more likely to quit for good. Smokefreelife Berkshire, the council’s free stop smoking service, is available to those living and working in Bracknell Forest to help them quit smoking.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death, disability and ill health in this country. Between 2022 and 2024, 302 deaths in Bracknell Forest were attributable to smoking1. Approximately 14,162 adults in Bracknell Forest smoke (2024 to 2025 estimate)2, with smoking rates in Bracknell Forest higher than the regional and national prevalence rates3.
To help local people quit smoking, Smokefreelife Berkshire offers free one-to-one support from trained stop-smoking advisers. This includes:
- personalised quit plans
- behavioural support
- access to stop smoking treatments
Support is available face-to-face, by telephone or through the digital support app, Quit with Bella. It is designed to give you the best chance of quitting smoking for good.
The launch of this year's Stoptober campaign comes as the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 helps drive progress towards a smoke-free generation. It highlights the importance of supporting smokers to quit and protecting future generations from tobacco addiction.
While the legislation focuses on preventing future generations from taking up smoking, local stop smoking services are vital in helping current smokers quit and improve their health.
Cllr Megan Wright, cabinet member for children, young people, education and health said:
"Stoptober is a fantastic opportunity for anyone thinking about quitting smoking. We know that stopping can be difficult, but with the right support people are much more likely to succeed.
Smokefreelife Berkshire provides free expert support to residents and people working in Bracknell Forest to support them in their journey to becoming smoke-free."
Charlotte Pavitt, director of Public Health at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
"Smoking is still one of the biggest causes of avoidable illness and early death, but the benefits of quitting start quickly and continue to grow.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Act is an important step in protecting our children and young people from becoming addicted to tobacco, but we also want to support people who smoke now, to stop.
“The evidence is stark: every cigarette smoked takes around 20 minutes of life4, meaning a pack of 20 costs nearly 7 hours, most of it from the healthy years people should be able to spend with family, friends and doing the things they value. Stoptober is a positive chance to take back that time, improve your health, and you can do so with free local support through Smokefreelife Berkshire.”
People living or working in Bracknell Forest can access free support from Smokefreelife Berkshire. To find out more:
- text QUIT to 66777
- visit Smokefree Berkshire
Call and text charges may apply depending on your mobile provider.
- 1
Fingertips public health profiles, Smoking Profile, Bracknell Forest
- 2
Bracknell Forest Council, Health Overview & Scrutiny Board Briefing Paper - Stop Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco Control Update (PDF, 0.1 MB)
- 3
Fingertips public health profiles, Smoking profile, All regions
- 4
GOV.UK, Quit for a week and save a day, say health experts. Published 30 December 2024
