02 October 2026
The annual Stoptober campaign is returning this October, encouraging smokers across Jersey to take the first step towards a healthier future by quitting smoking for 28 days.
Research shows that people who stop smoking for 28 days are up to five times more likely to quit for good, making Stoptober one of the most effective opportunities of the year for smokers to begin their quit journey.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death, with around 140 deaths in Jersey each year attributed to smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health, whatever their age.
A healthier Jersey starts with all of us. By choosing to quit smoking, Islanders are not only improving their own health and wellbeing but also helping to create a healthier island community for everyone. Quitting can also help people save money, as well as enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Creating a smoke-free home can also protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, helping to support healthier families across Jersey.
In 2025, 770 Islanders reached out to the Help2Quit Service, with 80% taking the next step by setting a quit date.
Health and Care Jersey's Help2Quit service offers free specialist support to all Islanders who smoke and want to quit. The programme includes:
- An initial 60-minute appointment
- Eleven weekly one-to-one support sessions
- A free supply of stop smoking aids
Lead Stop Smoking Nurse Specialist from Health and Care Jersey Help2Quit team, Dr Rhona Reardon, said: "We are encouraging all smokers to join the Stoptober challenge this year. If you can get through 28 days without smoking, you are much more likely to quit for good.
"Quitting smoking has many benefits and people who stop smoking often report having more energy, feeling healthier, breathing more easily, improved ability to exercise, better skin health and more money in their pocket. The risk of developing smoking-related disease decreases the longer a person remains smoke-free.
"There is also strong evidence that stopping smoking improves mental health. Following the short-term withdrawal stage of quitting, people often experience reduced levels of anxiety, depression and stress, alongside improvements in overall mood and wellbeing compared with those who continue to smoke.
"Whether you are quitting for yourself, your family or the people who matter most, the Help2Quit team is here to support you every step of the way".
Free stop smoking support is available to all Islanders through Help2Quit. For more information, visit gov.je/Help2Quit
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