Stop smoking support, expert help to quit for good.

Stop smoking support, expert help to quit for good.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.

The NHS offers free, evidence-based support to help you quit successfully.

Whether you have smoked for many years or have recently started, it is never too late to stop. With the right support, you are up to three times more likely to quit for good.

Why Stop Smoking?

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits:

  • After 20 minutes
    Your pulse rate begins to return to normal.

  • After 48 hours
    Carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body and your senses of taste and smell improve.

  • After 2–12 weeks
    Your circulation improves and lung function increases.

  • After 1 year
    Your risk of heart attack is around half that of a smoker.

Stopping smoking also reduces your risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Lung disease (including COPD)
  • Many types of cancer
  • Type 2 diabetes

You’ll also save money, improve your fitness, and protect your family from second-hand smoke.

What Support Is Available?

Our NHS Stop Smoking Service provides:

✔ Personalised Quit Plan

A trained stop smoking advisor will help you:

  • Set a quit date
  • Identify triggers and plan how to manage cravings
  • Build confidence and motivation

✔ Weekly Support Appointments

Regular check-ins (usually for 6–12 weeks) to:

  • Monitor progress
  • Provide encouragement
  • Adjust your plan if needed

✔ Stop Smoking Treatments

We can provide advice and access to approved treatments such as:

  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators
  • Prescription medications (e.g. varenicline, cytisine, bupropion)
  • E-cigarettes as a quitting aid

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

You may be suitable if:

Inclusion Criteria

  • You are a man aged 18 or over

  • You have a regular, symmetrical pattern of hair thinning

  • Your hair loss is not due to another medical condition

Exclusion Criteria

This service is not suitable for:

  • Women (finasteride is not for female use)

  • Men under 18 years old

  • Anyone with hair loss caused by another condition (e.g. cancer treatment, illness)

  • Anyone with liver problems, certain urinary conditions, or psychiatric disorders (such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia)

  • Anyone already taking finasteride or other treatments for the same condition

You can access NHS Stop Smoking support if:

• You are registered with a GP

• You are motivated to quit smoking

Priority support may be available for:

• Pregnant women

• People with long-term health conditions

• People with mental health conditions

If you are unsure whether you qualify, please speak to a member of our team.

Your first session will usually take around 20–30 minutes. During the appointment, we will:

• Ask about your smoking history

• Discuss previous quit attempts

• Measure your carbon monoxide (CO) level using a simple breath test

• Help you choose the most suitable treatment

• Set a realistic quit date

You’ll leave with a clear plan and the support you need to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. NHS Stop Smoking support is completely free, including behavioural support and, where appropriate, stop smoking treatments.

People who use NHS support are up to three times more likely to quit successfully compared to trying alone.

Some people gain a small amount of weight, but we can provide advice to help you manage this.

Many people need several attempts before quitting for good. Each attempt increases your chance of success.

Yes. We can support you whether you want to stop smoking completely or transition away from tobacco.

Speak to a member of our team to book your first appointment and begin your quit journey.

If you’re ready to stop smoking, we’re here to help.

Taking the first step today could make a lasting difference to your health and wellbeing.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.