It’s that time of year again – Stoptober is back, and it’s rolling through Humber and North Yorkshire in the form of a big red 8ft ball.

Now in its 14th year, Stoptober encourages people to give quitting smoking another go. Evidence shows you’re five times more likely to quit for good if you can stay smoke-free for at least 28 days – and with more support and tools available than ever before, there’s never been a better time to try.

Why quit?

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death across Humber and North Yorkshire, with rates still higher than the national average. But every attempt to quit is a positive step! As Scott Crosby, Associate Director of The Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence in Tobacco Control, says:

“It’s a great time for people to give quitting another go. With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on the horizon—protecting future generations from ever starting smoking—it’s time to ensure that everyone who’s been trapped by addiction finds the right support and tools to quit for good. No one picks up their first cigarette thinking they’ll still be smoking years later. But the good news is: free expert help is available, everywhere, for everyone. Stopping forever can sound overwhelming, but stopping for a month can feel more manageable for people, which is why Stoptober is a great campaign.”

Look out for the Big Red Ball

You might spot the big red Stoptober ball rolling around towns and villages across Humber and North Yorkshire this October. Originally featured in the Stoptober TV adverts, the 8ft ball symbolises people coming together to support each other to quit — because quitting is easier when you’re not doing it alone. The Yes to Quit team have been out and about with the ball, spreading the word and encouraging residents to take their first step toward a smoke-free future.

Get free help to quit

The Yes to Quit service is a collaboration across Humber and North Yorkshire offering free, local support and advice to help people quit smoking. Support includes:

• Free one-to-one or group sessions (in-person, online or by phone)
• Six to twelve weeks of personalised help to plan routines, track progress and manage cravings
• Expert advice on using stop smoking aids like nicotine patches, gum, e-cigarettes or medication

Local clinics are held at:

• Bedale Leisure Centre
• Northallerton Library
• Ripon Community House
• Ripon Library

…and more across the area.

Quit your way with the NHS App

If visiting a clinic isn’t for you, you can download the free NHS Quit Smoking App. The app helps you track your progress, shows how much money you’re saving, and offers daily motivation and practical tips.

It also provides guidance on using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as patches, gum, or vapes — safer alternatives that deliver nicotine without the harmful effects of tobacco.

Remember: “Tobacco is lethal — nicotine is not.” Switching to safer sources of nicotine can make it much easier to manage cravings and stay smoke-free.

Take the first step

Whether you’re quitting for your health, your family or your wallet, this Stoptober could be your time to say yes to quitting smoking. Visit www.yestoquit.co.uk to find free local support, or look out for the big red ball as it rolls through Humber and North Yorkshire this month — and give it a push for good luck!

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