Smoking support
Quitting smoking may not be easy, but it is achievable, and you don’t have to do it alone. We understand the challenges, and we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier, smoke-free life.
For quick access to support contact the Healthy Sandwell team on 0121 569 5100 or by completing the contact us form.
Why become Smokefree?
Embarking on a smoke-free journey not only transforms your health but brings about immediate and lasting benefits. At Healthy Sandwell, we’re here to guide you through the positive changes that quitting smoking can bring to your life.
Immediate Financial Gains
Let’s talk finances! By quitting smoking, you’re not just saving your health; you’re saving money too. On average, a smoker can save over £250 a month. Calculate your potential savings using our cost calculator below and imagine the possibilities—whether it’s a night out, a dream holiday, or even a new car.
Health Transformations
The impact of quitting smoking on your health is astounding, and it begins almost immediately:
20 Minutes
Pulse rate returns to normal.
8 Hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by more than half, and oxygen levels return to normal.
48 Hours
Carbon monoxide is eliminated, and lungs start clearing out mucus and smoking debris.
72 Hours
Breathing becomes easier, and energy levels increase.
2-12 Weeks
Improved circulation; blood pumps around the body much easier.
3-9 Months
Coughs and breathing problems reduce, and lung function increases by up to 10%.
1 Year
Risk of heart disease is about half of a person who still smokes.
10 Years
Risk of lung cancer falls to half of that of a smoker.
15 Years
Risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
For Your Family
Quitting smoking not only benefits you but also your loved ones:
- Children's Health: Children are less likely to become smokers if you quit smoking around them.
- Second-Hand Smoke: Protect your family from harmful poisons found in second-hand smoke, even if you smoke away from them.
- Reduced Health Risks: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of your family developing asthma, meningitis, and certain cancers.
- Legal Implications: It's illegal to smoke in a vehicle with someone under 18 present, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from second-hand smoke.
Your decision to quit smoking is a step towards a healthier, wealthier, and happier life. Experience the immediate and long-term benefits—join Smokefree Sandwell in creating a smoke-free future for yourself and your loved ones.
I’ve tried quitting before
Did you know that with professional support from trained experts, you are more than four times likely to successfully quit smoking for good?
At Healthy Sandwell and Smokefree Sandwell, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to provide the support you need to make quitting a reality.
A Fresh Start
If you’ve tried to quit before and haven’t succeeded, don’t be discouraged. Quitting smoking is a journey, and your determination can make all the difference.
Key Tips for Success
It's All in the Planning
- Spend time planning your quit attempt.
- Reflect on what worked in the past and identify triggers to avoid.
- Strategize on how to combat cravings effectively.
Reward Yourself
- Set achievable milestones and reward yourself when you reach them.
- Treat yourself with something special using the money saved from not smoking.
- Stay focused and motivated with small, meaningful rewards.
Focus on Your Why
- Clarify the key reasons for giving up smoking.
- Carry a reminder of these reasons to stay motivated.
- Reinforce your commitment, especially during challenging moments.
Understanding
Nicotine Addiction
Smoking is an addiction, and your body becomes dependent on nicotine over time. Withdrawal symptoms, including cravings and headaches, may occur when you quit. Many find support in stop-smoking medicines, accessible through our services, and free of charge if you don’t pay for prescriptions. Some medicines are also available over the counter without a prescription.
Quitting smoking is undeniably challenging, but it is also one of the best things you can do for your health. With our professional support and your determination, success is within reach. Start your journey to a smoke-free life today—your healthier future awaits!
Vaping
Vaping, a relatively recent addition to the arsenal of smoking cessation aids, has proven effective when paired with one-to-one stop smoking support. At Healthy Sandwell, we recognize the potential benefits of vaping in helping people quit smoking, and we’re here to provide the guidance you need on this journey.
Understanding Vapes
What Are Vapes?
Vapes, electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine through a vapor rather than the smoke produced by traditional
E-Cigarettes
- The process involves heating a solution (e-liquid) containing propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings, and nicotine.
Different Forms of Vapes
- Vapes come in various forms, and e-liquids have different nicotine strengths.
- Nicotine, while not entirely harmless, is considerably less harmful than the toxins found in cigarette smoke.
Risks and Considerations:
- Vaping is not risk-free, and it is not recommended for non-smokers or individuals under 18.
- The healthiest option is to avoid both smoking and vaping.
Using Vapes to Quit Smoking
Effectiveness
- Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is considered at least 95% less harmful than tobacco
- Vapes are a valuable tool for quitting smoking and staying smoke-free.
Availability
- Vapes are not currently available through the NHS, but local smoking support services, such as Smokefree Sandwell, can assist you.
Support
- Combining vaping with one-to-one stop smoking support has proven successful for many individuals.
Transition
- While vaping may aid in quitting smoking, the ultimate goal should be to eventually stop vaping as well.
Regulation and Safety
UK Regulations
- Nicotine vaping products are tightly regulated in the UK for safety and quality.
- All products for sale must be notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), listing all ingredients.
Purchase from Reputable Suppliers
- Always buy vaping products from reputable suppliers, such as specialist vape shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, or UK-based online retailers, to ensure they are safe and quality products.
Myths and Facts about Vapes
- There are numerous myths surrounding vaping, fuelled by misleading information.
- Explore common myths and facts based on scientific evidence and data.
Vaping, when used as a smoking cessation aid with proper support, can be a valuable tool in your journey toward better health. If you're considering vaping to quit smoking, seek guidance from our local stop smoking provider, Smokefree Sandwell, and let us support you in achieving a smoke-free lifestyle.
Paan, bidi and shisha
While the dangers of smoking are well-known, other forms of tobacco use, such as chewing tobacco, shisha, paan, and betel quid, come with their own set of serious health risks. At Healthy Sandwell, we aim to raise awareness about these alternative forms of tobacco consumption and provide support for those looking to quit these behaviours.
Shisha Smoking
Overview
- Shisha pipes, hookah, narghile, or waterpipe smoking involves inhaling tobacco, often mixed with fruit or sugar, through a bowl and hose or tube.
- Some may not realize that tobacco is used in shisha, leading to underestimated risks.
Health Risks
- Shisha smokers and those around them are exposed to smoke, similar to cigarette smoke.
- Extended shisha sessions can result in prolonged exposure, with one puff equalling the smoke from an entire cigarette.
Paan, Betel Quid, and Chewing Tobacco
Risks
- Chewing tobacco raises the risk of mouth and throat cancer.
- Even betel quid without tobacco has shown harmful effects.
- Chewing tobacco absorbs more nicotine than smoking a cigarette.
Local services offer support to individuals aiming to quit chewing tobacco, shisha, or related behaviours. Techniques used are similar to those employed to support smokers in quitting.
It’s crucial to recognize that various forms of tobacco use pose serious health threats. Whether it’s shisha smoking, chewing tobacco, or other behaviours, our local services are here to help you quit and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Contact our team to learn more about the support available and take a step towards breaking free from these addictive habits.
Smoking in pregnancy
Every puff of cigarette smoke during pregnancy exposes your baby to harmful poisons and chemicals. It’s time to prioritize your baby’s well-being and give them the best start in life by quitting smoking. The risks of smoking during pregnancy are serious, ranging from premature delivery to an increased likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth, or sudden infant death. The earlier you quit, the better—it’s never too late to make a positive change.
Why Quitting Matters
Immediate Impact
- When you smoke, harmful substances pass through the placenta, affecting your baby's development.
Serious Risks
- Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, and sudden infant death.
Never Too Late
- Quitting at any stage can prevent many problems and significantly contribute to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Specialist Support for Mums-to-Be
Bringing Partners and Family
- Specialist support is available for expectant mothers, and partners or family members are welcome to join the journey to quit smoking.
Increased Success Rates
- Choose the support that best suits your preferences, whether it's one-on-one meetings with an expert, text chats, or calls for morale support.
Tailored Support Options
- Choose the support that best suits your preferences, whether it's one-on-one meetings with an expert, text chats, or calls for morale support.
Additional Resources
Smokefree Website
- Access a wealth of information about smoking during pregnancy on the Smokefree website.
Online Forums
- Connect with other expectant mothers in online forums dedicated to quitting smoking during pregnancy.
Choosing a smoke-free pregnancy is a decision that will positively impact both you and your baby. Take the first step today by seeking the support you deserve. Let us guide you on this empowering journey toward a healthier, smoke-free life for you and your precious little one.
Illegal Tobacco and Vapes
Illegal tobacco and vapes pose significant threats to the health, safety, and well-being of our communities in Sandwell. Far from a victimless crime, these illicit activities carry serious consequences, impacting public health, contributing to crime, and undermining community well-being.
Illegal Tobacco
Harmful Properties
- Illegal tobacco shares all the harmful properties of legal tobacco but is completely unregulated, often sold at significantly lower prices.
Impact on Youth
- The sale of cheap or illegal tobacco makes it easier for children and young people to start smoking, increasing the risk of addiction at a young age.
Fire Safety Risks
- Some illegal cigarettes lack fire safety features, making them more prone to causing fires compared to legal alternatives.
Undermining Public Health Efforts
- Illicit tobacco undermines public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking prevalence and hinders smokers' efforts to quit.
Signs to Look Out For
- Foreign language health warnings on packets
- Absence of pictures or outdated health warnings
- Unusually low prices (e.g., £3.50 - £7.00 per pack of 20)
- Branded packaging instead of plain packaging
- Unusual or foreign brand names
Illegal Vapes
Contamination Risks:
- Illegal vapes may contain harmful chemicals, contaminants, or toxic substances, posing risks when inhaled.
Lack of Quality Control
- Manufactured without proper quality standards, illegal vapes may have defects or subpar materials.
Unknown Health Effects
- Due to the absence of rigorous testing, the long-term health effects of illegal vapes remain unclear, potentially surpassing legal alternatives in harm.
Explosion Hazards
- Poorly constructed illegal vape devices can lead to battery explosions, causing severe injuries.
Underage Use
- The black market for vapes increases the risk of underage access, fostering addiction and health issues.
Environmental Impact
- Disposable vapes contribute to environmental issues, including littering and risks associated with improper disposal of lithium batteries and chemicals.
Signs to Look Out For
- Nicotine content exceeding 20mg/2%
- Puff count exceeding 600 puffs
- Ingredient list including unauthorised substances such as vitamins, colourings, diacetyl, caffeine, or taurine
Reporting Concerns
Our trading standards team relies on information from members of the public, businesses and organisations to catch criminals who trade in illegal goods and use scams to target vulnerable people.
If you can provide information about the sale of illegal goods or scams, please get in touch via MySandwell.
By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, we can work together to protect our communities from the dangers of illegal tobacco and vapes. Let’s prioritise the health and safety of our residents in Sandwell.
