Stopping Smoking in South Yorkshire: Free NHS Support at Your Pharmacy

Barnsley has one of the highest smoking prevalence rates in England. While the national adult smoking rate is around 13%, OHID tobacco control data shows that in parts of the Dearne Valley and central Barnsley, smoking prevalence exceeds 25%. The health consequences are significant — smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable death in the area, directly linked to the elevated rates of COPD, lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke that South Yorkshire communities experience.

But stopping smoking is genuinely hard. If you've tried before and not succeeded, you're in the majority. The important thing is that using the right support dramatically improves your chances.

Using NHS support is up to 4x more effective

Research consistently shows that people who quit smoking with NHS-supported programmes using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or medication are up to four times more likely to succeed than those trying to quit on willpower alone. This evidence base is summarised in NICE guideline NG209 (Tobacco: preventing uptake, promoting quitting and treating dependence).

At Brampton Village Pharmacy, our free NHS stop smoking service includes:

• A full initial consultation to discuss your smoking history and set a quit date
• Carbon monoxide testing to measure your current exposure
• Free NRT (patches, gum, inhalators, lozenges) on NHS prescription
• Varenicline (Champix) where appropriate — cited by NICE NG209 as the most effective single pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation
• Weekly follow-up appointments for 12 weeks
• Behavioural support and craving management strategies

What's the best time to quit?

Any time is a good time to quit — but many people find external motivation helpful. NHS Better Health runs Stoptober (October) and other national campaigns with significant support resources. However, the most important factor is when you feel ready.

What if I've tried before and failed?

Most people who successfully quit smoking have made multiple previous attempts. Relapse is a normal part of the process, not a failure. If you've tried before, each attempt provides valuable information about your triggers and the support you need. Contact us to reset your quit date — the service is available for multiple attempts at no charge.

To start your free NHS stop smoking programme at Brampton Village Pharmacy, call 01226 341 281 or visit us Monday to Saturday. No GP referral needed.