It's Smoking and Mental Health week! Ditch the Cigarettes, boost your mood in the long term.

Did you know that stopping smoking is as good for your mind as it is for your body?

Many see smoking as a way to unwind and cope with stress. But the feeling of relaxation is just a temporary fix-it’s just the nicotine relieving the withdrawal symptoms that it creates in the first place. In the longer term smoking can actually increase stress and anxiety.

Remarkably, research also shows that successfully stopping smoking can be as effective for improving your mood and taking a course of antidepressants. To see how nicotine tricks our brains, click here for a short video explaining the cycle of addiction

Do you want to make 2026 the year that you improve both your physical and mental health by stopping smoking? Well, as a Merton resident, or someone who works or has a GP

in Merton borough, you have direct access to a range of free, confidential Smokefree Merton services to increase your chances of success.

The Smokefree App: Behavioural support right in your pocket.
Everyone Health’s 12-Week Programme: Personalised guidance and coaching.
Swap to Stop: A free vape starter kit for 12 weeks to help you transition.
Catch 22; A service tailored to support children and young people
Allen Carr’s Easyway: A globally renowned behavioural therapy method

Quote from Councillor Mc Cabe

“National No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity for people to take that first step. Our Quitathon is about coming together as a community and helping record numbers of residents of Merton to set a quit date. With the right support, quitting is absolutely achievable. Everyone Health is here to provide 12 weeks of free support and stop smoking aids to increase your chances of becoming a non-smoker"

Ready to feel better, breathe easier and boost your mental wellbeing? Sign up today! Smoke Free Merton: Get free support to stop smoking | Merton Council