We identified what helps people stop smoking and why some are reluctant to get help
Many said that if stop smoking services were more local, accessible and in-person, they would be more likely to engage with them.
In total, more than 650 smokers, ex-smokers and their friends and family shared their experiences of stop smoking services with us and more than a third told us they had never accessed any support to stop smoking.
Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council runs stop smoking support services and we have shared our findings and recommendations to help them better meet the needs of the local community by providing the services people want, in the way they want it.
Why did we do this work?
In Hertfordshire, there is a smoking prevalence of 9.7% which equates to 105,840 residents who smoke.
Healthwatch Hertfordshire was commissioned by Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council to hear the perspectives and experiences of smokers, ex-smokers and the general public.
In total, 655 respondents completed the online survey - 22% (140) currently smoke, 69% (449) used to smoke, and 9% (60) have a friend, family member or loved one who smokes.
What did people tell us?
Our findings are split into responses from smokers and ex-smokers. Both groups shared some of the same views, but also had different opinions about what helped them stop – or not.
140 smokers told us:
- More than 90% had tried to stop smoking before and 63% had looked for support – of which 70% had spoken to a GP.
- 85% said their smoking habit impacted their finances.
- More than 33% were reluctant to access support because they were afraid of failing.
- Over 50% had tried a vape, e-cigarette or nicotine replacement therapies to stop smoking.
- More than 50% would prefer to receive in-person face-to-face stop smoking support.
- Smokers were more likely to be aged between 18-44, women, people with a long-term condition and/or mental health condition and those with less disposable income.
“… if somebody said ‘right come join us and smoke less’, that would be good. You’re not dictating to me that I’ve got stop, you’re just saying why not cut down a bit. Groups like that would be good.”
“To be honest, you need that accountability to actually go and say ‘you know I fell off the wagon’. I want a one-to-one coach, someone to check in with you would be brilliant.”
“Organised activities to distract in early days of quitting like online mindfulness, group walks, healthy eating and healthy living talks, that kind of stuff.”
“Making the message to stop smoking a positive and encouraging experience. Make stopping something to look forward to rather than something that has to be endured.”
449 ex-smokers told us:
- More than 70% decided to quit due to health concerns.
- Only 20% accessed support to stop smoking, half of whom received support from their GP practice.
- For those who accessed support, almost 90% said it was easy and helpful.
- More than 50% chose not to seek support because they felt they didn’t need help and 30% were not aware support was available.
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. You can’t do a huge amount, you can’t force people to give up smoking, it’s got to come from the person themselves, they have to want to give up smoking.”
“I put money aside that I would have spent on cigarettes and then every week I would buy something that I wouldn’t have bought otherwise. I used to see it as a treat day.”
A third of respondents suggested that information about stop smoking services needed to be displayed in a range of health and community settings. Other suggestions included using social media channels, sharing success stories/encouraging messaging and educating children and young people.
What happens next?
Our Report has highlighted how smokers can be better supported and ways that Hertfordshire’s Stop Smoking services can raise its profile. We have recommended:
- Targeted engagement with groups more likely to smoke.
- Improving advertisement and signposting to stop smoking services.
- Increasing awareness of stop smoking services in pharmacies, healthy hubs and the Hertfordshire Health Improvement service.
- Encouraging smokers to use stop smoking services and examine reasons why people don’t access support.
- Provide a range of support for smokers including in-person, online and telephone appointments, one-to-one and group support.
If you want to find out more about stopping smoking, you can visit the Stop Smoking Service | Hertfordshire County Council.
Downloads
Click here to read the full report.
