Stoptober 2025

The Campaign

Since its creation in 2012, Stoptober has successfully helped 2.5 million people try to quit smoking and actively encourages and supports smokers on their quitting journey. 

The campaign encourages people to stop smoking for the month of October, finding that if someone can quit smoking for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

Smoking is considered as one of the biggest causes of preventable illnesses and deaths. Annually, smokers and smoking related illnesses cost the NHS £2.5 billion, according to charity Action Smoking and Health (ASH), so cutting down the number of people who smoke is paramount.

ASH says that from the one in eight adults in the UK smoke, nearly a quarter of them say them aim to quit in the next three months, and this is where community pharmacy can play a vital role.

Your role 

Pharmacy teams are especially important in promoting Stoptober as they are often the most accessible place for the public to access healthcare support – often enabling smokers to seek advice without needing to book appointment. Pharmacy teams are in the unique position of being able to chat with patients and suggest the Stoptober challenge to smokers who may not have considered quitting before.

So how can you help? Placing resources and posters in high traffic areas in your pharmacy can raise awareness, there are free downloadable assets available on the DHSC website. Having a good understanding of the pharmacy’s Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) offering (more below) offers customers over-the-counter (OTC) solutions, helping to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process. Pharmacy team members can also complete training and become a part of their pharmacy’s smoking cessation services if they have them, offering individualised care.

OTC support and advice

Looking more closely at the NRT options pharmacy teams can provide, it's essential to have a good understanding of the different forms available. NRT fights symptoms by releasing low levels of nicotine into the body without the toxic carbon monoxide, tar and other chemicals found in cigarettes. Common NRT products include nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalators. Each product offers different advantages depending on patient preference, smoking habits, and lifestyle.

For example, patches provide steady, long-term nicotine delivery, while gums and lozenges offer faster relief during sudden cravings. Nasal sprays and inhalators mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking and may suit those with stronger behavioural dependencies. Pharmacy teams play a critical role in advising patients on proper use, dosing, and combining therapies when appropriate. For example, using a patch alongside gum for more effective craving control. Additionally, counselling on behavioural changes and setting a quit date can significantly enhance success rates. By staying informed and approachable, pharmacy staff can build trust and help guide patients through the physical and psychological aspects of smoking cessation. 

Changing a life 

The benefits of quitting smoking are life changing, and pharmacy teams should discuss these with patients as part of encouraging them to take part in the Stoptober challenge. Within 20 minutes of stopping smoking, heart rate and blood pressure begin to return to normal, according to Better Health. After 48 hours, the body is free of nicotine, and senses of taste and smell start to improve. Over time, lung function increases, circulation improves, and the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer significantly decreases. Beyond physical health, quitting also enhances mental wellbeing. Many people report reduced stress and anxiety levels. Financially, the savings from not buying tobacco products can be substantial. For those around the smoker, especially children and non-smoking adults, quitting also reduces passive smoking. Overall, quitting smoking not only adds years to life but also improves the patient’s quality of life.

Smoking remains a major cause of preventable death and a heavy burden on the NHS, the role of pharmacy teams in promoting and supporting this initiative is more vital than ever being uniquely positioned to offer practical help, expert guidance, and personal encouragement at every step of a patient’s quit journey. By actively engaging with Stoptober, pharmacy teams can make a meaningful impact on public health – helping individuals live longer, healthier lives and contributing to a smoke-free future.