The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are calling on smokers across the region to use the upcoming No Smoking Month to kick the habit for good.

Under the campaign slogan 'Make March Your Month to Quit', health experts are highlighting the significant health and financial rewards of stopping. In the 2024/25 period, 9,587 individuals in Northern Ireland set a formal quit date through PHA-funded services, and officials hope to see similar engagement this year.

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, disability, and ill-health in Northern Ireland. It is currently linked to approximately 2,200 deaths and 35,000 hospital admissions annually.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: "March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to stop smoking and improve your health.

"Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which is significant as people face tough times with the increased cost of living. You might have tried quitting before, but this March, try again and get support on your journey to a healthier you with the help of a PHA funded stop smoking service as it really will make a difference."

A wide variety of free support services are available throughout Northern Ireland, including nicotine replacement therapy. These are accessible via GP practices, community pharmacies, HSC Trust premises, and various voluntary organisations, as well as through Cancer Focus NI.

Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager at Cancer Focus NI, emphasised that professional help significantly increases the chances of success. "Studies have shown that people are four times more likely to quit with help," Naomi Thompson said. "We would encourage any smoker who is ready to quit, or even curious about giving it a go, to make March their month.

"Across Northern Ireland specialists are available to provide free tried and tested tips to make quitting as easy as possible. You will be supported to cope with cravings, managing stress, avoiding weight gain and developing a healthy lifestyle. You don't have to do this on your own."

Top tips for quitting smoking

• Make a date to give up – and stick to it!

• Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.

• Get support from your local stop smoking service. Also, let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful, some may even join you.

• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, (and plan alternative activities for places you associate with smoking) and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.

• Remind yourself that the money saved now from not smoking can be used for other things you or your family want or need.

No Smoking Month is coordinated in Northern Ireland by Cancer Focus NI and includes a partnership with the PHA, the Healthy Living Centres Alliance, Health and Social Care Trusts, local councils, and community champions in Healthy Living Centres.

For more information on the services available and useful tips to stop smoking, visit www.cancerfocusni.org/stopsmoking or www.stopsmokingni.info