PHA calls on smokers to quit in 2026 with free support available across Northern Ireland

Smokers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution, as the Public Health Agency (PHA) highlights a wide range of free stop smoking support services available to help people quit for good.

The PHA is urging those who smoke to take advantage of the fresh start offered by the beginning of a new year, describing quitting smoking as one of the most positive steps people can take to improve their health and protect those around them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control at the PHA, said the New Year presents an ideal opportunity to make lasting change.

“The beginning of a new year provides a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. It’s one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which you could put towards something else you’ve been hoping to do for a while, or treat yourself.”

Beyond the immediate health benefits, the PHA is also highlighting the financial savings that come with quitting, an increasingly important factor for many households.

Free stop smoking services are available across Northern Ireland through a wide network of community pharmacies, GP practices, Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts, as well as community and voluntary organisations.

Ms Rogers emphasised that smokers do not have to face quitting alone.

“There is lots of free support available across Northern Ireland to help you quit. You can access services through many community pharmacies, GP practices, HSC Trusts, and community and voluntary organisations.”

For those unsure where to begin, specialist stop smoking advisers can help create a personalised quit plan and provide practical support throughout the process.

“If you smoke and really want to quit, but you aren’t sure where to begin, get in touch with one of our stop smoking services, as. they can give you the support you need. You don’t have to do it alone, and studies have shown that you are four times more likely to quit for good with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and specialist support.”

Stop smoking services offer advice on coping with cravings, managing stress, avoiding weight gain and developing healthier lifestyle habits, alongside up to 12 weeks of behavioural support.

“There are lots of tried and tested tips to make quitting easier, and services will work with you on your quit plan, looking at how to cope with cravings, manage stress, avoid weight gain and develop a healthier lifestyle.”

Licensed nicotine replacement therapies, including patches, gum and sprays, are also available free of charge through these services.

“Licensed nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as patches, gum and sprays are available free of charge through stop smoking services. These services also provide up to 12 weeks’ behavioural support to help you quit for good.”

The scale of support already being accessed across Northern Ireland underlines the impact of these services. During 2024/25, almost 10,000 people took a decisive step towards a smoke-free life.

“In 2024/25, a total of 9,587 people were reported to have set a quit date through our stop smoking services. This year could be your year to quit for good and join the thousands of people across Northern Ireland making a positive change to improve their health.”

Five top tips for giving up smoking

• Set a quit date – and stick to it.

• Make a quit plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.

• Get support from your local Stop Smoking Service and let family and friends know you are quitting.

• Keep busy to take your mind off cigarettes. Change your routine and plan alternatives for places you associate with smoking.

• Focus on the savings, using the money you would have spent on cigarettes for things you or your family want or need.

For more information on free stop smoking services near you, or for help on quitting smoking, visit www.stopsmokingni.info.