The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging smokers across Northern Ireland to quit during No Smoking Month in March. The campaign promotes free PHA-funded stop smoking services, following 9,587 people who set quit dates through these services in 2024/25.

Smoking causes approximately 35,000 hospital admissions and 2,200 deaths annually in Northern Ireland. PHA Director of Public Health Dr Joanne McClean stated that quitting improves health, reduces second-hand smoke exposure, and saves money amid rising living costs.

Support services, including nicotine replacement therapy, are available free through community pharmacies, GP practices, HSC Trust premises, community organisations, and Cancer Focus NI. Cancer Focus NI Health Improvement Manager Naomi Thompson noted that supported quitters are four times more likely to succeed.

Services provide assistance with cravings, stress management, weight control, and healthy lifestyle development. No Smoking Month is coordinated by Cancer Focus NI in partnership with PHA, Healthy Living Centres Alliance, Health and Social Care Trusts, local councils, and community champions.

Further information and tips are available at www.cancerfocusni.org/stopsmoking and www.stopsmokingni.info.