Launched in September 2024, Swap to Stop offers smokers in Wolverhampton free vape starter kits and behavioural support to help them quit.
The service, available over a period of 12 weeks, is delivered by trained members of staff who provide support and weekly 'check in' sessions at local community venues to help people on their quitting journey.
And in the first 3 quarters of this financial year, 279 people in Wolverhampton have successfully quit with support from Swap to Stop.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.
"Yet it remains the single largest preventable cause of death in England, accounting for around for 64,000 deaths annually. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking related disease – but, when you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.
"The Swap to Stop programme has had a massive impact, helping hundreds of people in Wolverhampton quit over the last 18 months and, as we mark National No Smoking Day today, I am delighted that we can announce the extension of the programme for another 12 months."
For more information about Swap to Stop, and to sign up for free, please visit Stop Smoking Support in Wolverhampton.
As well as Swap to Stop, the council's Live Well Wolverhampton programme provides free support for any adult smoker living in Wolverhampton including a 12 week, tailored behavioural support plan and a vape starter kit or nicotine replacement therapy. To access support, call or text ‘QUIT’ to 07378 768046 or visit Stop Smoking Support in Wolverhampton.
