Stop smoking support

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of ill health, disability and early death in the UK. Smoking kills up to two-thirds of people who smoke long-term, causes around one in four cancer deaths in England, and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

Many people who smoke want to quit, but nicotine addiction can make stopping difficult. The good news is that support makes a difference: you are three times more likely to quit for good with expert help from a stop-smoking service.

In Reading, you can get free, personalised support through Live Well or access digital support through the Smoke Free app.

Free support through Live Well

Whether this is your first attempt or you have tried before, Live Well will help you find an approach that suits your needs.

The service offers a 12-week stop-smoking programme, with one-to-one or group sessions available in person or online.

Your adviser can help you:

• create a personal quit plan and prepare for your quit date
• understand what triggers your urge to smoke
• manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• explore suitable stop-smoking treatments
• stay motivated and prepare for situations that could make it harder to stay smoke-free

If you start smoking again, you can speak to the team about getting back on track.

Free nicotine replacement therapy and stop-smoking treatments

Alongside support from an adviser, Live Well provides free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Other options include vapes and prescription stop-smoking medicines, where suitable. Your adviser will explain the choices available and help you find the right option for your needs.

How to get support

You can contact Live Well yourself without a GP referral. A healthcare professional or local community organisation can also refer you, with your agreement.

Register for free stop-smoking support

You can also visit the Live Well stop-smoking page to find out more.

Stop smoking with the Smoke Free app

Reading Borough Council has teamed up with Smoke Free to offer residents free digital support to quit smoking. The app is available on Android and iPhone.

You can use it whenever it suits you, making it easier to fit support around work, shifts and family life.

What the app offers

• Confidential support from trained stop-smoking advisers, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free quit aids delivered to your home to help manage cravings.
• A Quit Coach chatbot offering tips and guidance.
• Daily activities and achievement badges to help you stay motivated.
• An online community where you can connect with other people who are quitting.
• Tools to track your time smoke-free, money saved and health improvements.o taste food again. All conversations with trained advisors are confidential.

How to download

Download the Smoke Free app for free

Visit the Smoke Free App website for more information