Stoptober 2026

Quit smoking

When you quit smoking, good things start to happen. You’ll begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health.

Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs. It affects your finances, mood, and even those around you. Quitting helps you make a change for the better.

Join thousands of other smokers committing to quit this October.

Why quit smoking? – Better Health – NHS

• ⌚After just 20 minutes, your pulse rate will already be returning to normal.
• ⌚After 8 hours, your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.
• ⌚After 48 hours, your carbon monoxide levels have dropped to that of a non-smoker. Your lungs are clearing of mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
• ⌚After 72 hours, breathing will feel easier and your energy levels will be increasing.
• ⌚After 2 to 12 weeks, your circulation will have improved and blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better.
• ⌚After 3 to 9 months, any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases.
• ⌚After 1 year, your risk of heart attack has halved.
• ⌚After 10 years, your risk of death from lung cancer has halved.

Local Support

Find local NHS support in the Wakefield district to help you or someone you know stop smoking: NHS Stop Smoking Service – Yorkshire Smokefree