Resources > Healthy Body

Quit smoking with our help

Smoking is the most common cause of avoidable illness and early death. In 2022, around 30,000 adults in Havering smoked.

It can be really hard to quit smoking, but it’s never too late. It's easier to quit with the right support.

Get free expert support to quit smoking

What happens when you quit smoking?

Infographic titled "What happens when you stop smoking?" from Better Health Smoke Free and NHS. It outlines health improvements over time after quitting smoking: After 20 minutes: Pulse rate returns to normal. After 8 hours: Oxygen levels recover; carbon monoxide halves. After 48 hours: Carbon monoxide is flushed out; lungs clear mucus; taste and smell improve. After 72 hours: Breathing eases; energy increases. After 2–12 weeks: Circulation improves; heart and muscles benefit. After 3–9 months: Lung function improves; coughing and wheezing decrease. After 1 year: Heart attack risk halves. After 10 years: Risk of death from lung cancer halves. After 15 years: Heart attack risk similar to a non-smoker. Footer message: “With the right support you're up to three times as likely to quit for good.” Includes a QR code linking to support resources.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

A smiling man carries a cheerful young girl on his shoulders. The girl has illustrated pink butterfly wings and white lines drawn behind her, highlighting her playful pose. They are outdoors with greenery in the background.

Better physical health

Better mental health and wellbeing

You will have less chance of getting smoking-related illnesses like cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke

It will save you money - visit the Smoke Free London website to see how much you could save.

You will protect your loved ones from second-hand smoke

Get free expert support to quit smoking

Free expert support to quit smoking

Our stop smoking experts are here to give you 12 weeks of free advice, support, medication and/or vapes to help you to quit smoking for good.

You can get specialist online or weekly face-to-face support to help you, or someone living with you, to quit smoking.

Call 020 8724 8018, or self-refer online.

Get free expert support to quit smoking

Free community pharmacy quit smoking support

If you want to quit smoking with support from a community pharmacy, you can join a free 12 week programme with up to 8 face to face appointments and up to 8 weeks of nicotine replacement products, including Varenicline medicine, to help you quit.

You can get this service at these pharmacies in Havering:

Crescent Pharmacy, 65 Masefield Crescent, Harold Hill RM3 7PB

Mim Pharmacy, 118 North Street, Romford RM1 1DL

Asvacare Ltd Pharmacy, 197 Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0JR

Orchard Village Pharmacy, Mick Fury House, Lowen Road, Rainham RM13 8HT

Ardleigh Green Pharmacy, 100 Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2LG
Healthcare Pharmacy, 2 Tadworth Parade, Elm Park, RM12 5AS

Just walk into one of these pharmacies to make an appointment.

Swap to Stop scheme

If you live in Havering, you can sign up for a FREE vape kit bundle to help you stop smoking.

You will get 8 weeks’ behavioural support from one of our specialist advisors, a FREE vape kit and patches if needed.

Why is switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping a good idea?

Vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes

Vaping is one of the most effective aids to stopping smoking

A person with long dark hair stands in a store aisle, holding a skincare product. Shelves are filled with bottles and boxes.

Vaping has been found to be twice as effective as conventional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT, like nicotine gum), and is particularly effective when used in conjunction with behavioural support