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What is the NHS Swap to Stop Smoking Service?

This article was written by Tjobbe Andrews | Published: May 4, 2023 | Last updated: May 6, 2026

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A new NHS scheme is set to encourage one million smokers to swap cigarettes for vapes in a bid for the UK to become smoke-free by 2030. This is the latest scheme developed by the NHS stop smoking service to cut smoking rates and reduce smoking-related illnesses nationwide.

As part of the swap-to-stop scheme, the stop smoking service will help smokers across the UK to stop smoking. Here's how.

What is the NHS stop-smoking service?

The NHS stop smoking service is a government-backed service that supports smokers across the UK in kicking the habit. The stop smoking service is staffed by expert advisors who combine cessation tools and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) with advice and support for smokers.

What is the NHS swap-to-stop campaign?

Led by the NHS stop smoking service, the swap-to-stop campaign is a nationwide initiative that encourages smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. As part of the scheme, one million smokers will receive a free vape starter kit and behavioural support to help them swap to stop.

As part of the swap-to-stop scheme, pregnant women will receive vape vouchers as a financial incentive to swap to vaping. Mandatory informational inserts will also be placed within cigarette packets to educate smokers on the dangers of cigarettes and aid the swap.

Following recent reports of illicit vape sales, the stop smoking service is also establishing stricter measures to prevent vaping from growing in popularity amongst non-smokers and young people.

Vaping to quit smoking

Hands using scissors to cut a cigarette in half

There are several reasons why swapping to stop is one of the best ways to stop smoking.

First and foremost, smoking poses serious health risks. Named one of the biggest causes of both death and illness in the UK, smoking causes more than 70,000 deaths every year. In contrast, Public Health England considers vaping to be 95% less harmful than cigarettes.

Secondly, smoking is expensive. The cost of cigarettes can quickly add up, especially for heavy smokers. By switching to vaping, adult smokers save approximately £780 a year.

Read more about What Happens When You Quit Smoking on our blog.

Can the NHS help me stop smoking?

According to Jennifer Percival, a representative for the NHS stop smoking service, the best way to stop smoking is to combine specialist support with cessation tools. She says:

"Overall, you're up to 3 times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use a combination of stop smoking treatment and receive support from an NHS Stop Smoking Service."

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What does the NHS do for smoking cessation?

The NHS stop smoking service offers a range of resources and support, including samples of alternative products, advice on how to use them and information on where to buy them.

The stop smoking service also offers a range of online resources including a quit-smoking app which helps you track progress and stay motivated.

Swap to stop is the latest initiative led by the national stop smoking service to encourage smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. Ex-smokers taking part in the campaign will have the chance to try vaping with professional guidance and support to stop smoking for good.

How to get a free stop smoking vape kit

Stop smoking services vary from area to area with some solely offering behavioural support, many supplying free vape starter kits, and others providing a combination of both. The following table outlines the services offered in each region as of July 2024.

East

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Bedfordshire	The Stop Smoking Service	Face-to-face or online support to support you in quitting smoking	0800 013 0553 [email protected]
Cambridgeshire	Healthy You	A free vape starter kit as part of a twelve-week programme of support under the NHS swap to stop scheme	Text HEALTHYU to 60777 0333 005 0093 [email protected]
Essex	Essex Wellbeing Service	Support in finding the right treatment, advice and support from GP surgeries, pharmacies and specialist clinics	Take the assessment 0300 303 9988 [email protected]
Hertfordshire	Stop Smoking Service	12-week support including the provision of a free vape starter kit	Sign up online Text SMOKEFREE to 80818 0800 389 3998
Norfolk	Smokefree Norfolk	A free stop smoking vape kit and personalised support from a Stop Smoking Coach	Book a 1:1 0800 0854 113
Suffolk	Feel Good Suffolk	Guidance on the most effective ways to stop smoking and be healthy	Get in touch 0345 603 4060

London

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Barking & Dagenham	Barking & Dagenham Stop Smoking Service	1:1 support with a stop smoking advisor Support at a local pharmacy or via the stop smoking telephone line	Register for an appointment with a stop smoking advisor
Barnet	Barnet Stop Smoking Service	Confidential support programmes for up to 6 weeks	0300 123 1044 [email protected]
Bexley	Smokefree Bexley	Free advice on stopping smoking alongside a free vape starter kit	0800 783 2514 [email protected]
Brent	Brent Stop Smoking Service	A 6-week programme comprised of support sessions with a specialist stop smoking advisor	0208 937 5490 [email protected]
Bromley	Smokefree Bromley	Free vape starter kit for eligible clients plus direct support for up to 12 weeks Nicotine Replacement Therapy Telephone and/or digital support	Text QUIT to 66777 0800 999 1072 [email protected]
Camden	Breathe	Tailored support including a free stop smoking vape kit	020 3633 2609 [email protected]
City of London & Hackney	Gloji Smokefree City & Hackney	12-week programme of behavioural support and medication and NRT	0800 046 9946 [email protected]
Croydon	Croydon Live Smoke Free	Free 12-week programme comprised of face, telephone or video call support alongside NRT	Check eligibility 0800 019 8570 [email protected]
Enfield	Stop Smoking Enfield	Stop smoking consultations and group support for pregnant women, people with mental health issues and rough sleepers known to Drug and Alcohol services	0208 379 2258 [email protected]
Greenwich	Greenwich Stop Smoking Tobacco Treatment Service	Free 1:1 support to quit smoking which includes a free vape starter kit	Apply online Text QUIT to 60060 0800 470 4831 [email protected]
Hammersmith and Fulham	Hammersmith & Fulham Stop Smoking Service	Behavioural support from stop smoking specialists for pregnant women and high-risk individuals	Check eligibility 0300 123 1044
Haringey	Haringey Stop Smoking Service	12-week programme including 1:1 support and a free stop smoking vape kit	020 9995 9095 [email protected]
Harrow	Harrow Stop Smoking	1:1 support from a Stop Smoking Advisor alongside smoke cessation tools*	0300 303 2868 [email protected]
Havering	Universal Community Pharmacy Stop Smoking Service	A 12-week programme of support including 6 face-to-face consultations and 6 weeks of free nicotine replacement products	Attend a drop in service at your local pharmacy
Hillingdon	Hillingdon Smoking Cessation Service	A combination of behavioural support and smoking cessation pharmacotherapy for priority groups	0203 939 7858 [email protected]
Hounslow	Healthy Hounslow Stop Smoking Service	A free, tailored programme comprised of regular sessions with a Stop Smoking Advisor, Carbon Monoxide monitoring and access to a variety of treatments	0204 559 8200 [email protected]
Islington	Breathe	Personalised programme to include up to 16 weeks of one-to-one support, with free stop smoking medications and free vape starter kit	020 3633 2609 [email protected]
Kensington and Chelsea	One You Kensington & Chelsea	1:1 support with a stop smoking advisor plus 12 weeks of NRT	Refer yourself online 020 3434 2500 [email protected]
Kingston upon Thames	Kick It Stop Smoking Service	Tailored support from a specialist advisor for up to 6 weeks	Refer yourself online 02034 342500 [email protected]
Lambeth	Lambeth Stop Smoking Service	1:1 behavioural support from specialist advisors paired with NT) is available for at-risk groups Free vape starter kits are currently being trialled for pregnant people and their partners as part of a vaping pilot programme	Check eligibility Call 0800 856 3409 or 020 3049 5791 [email protected]
Lewisham	Smokefree Lewisham	12-week support programme and free stop smoking medications for free for 8 weeks A free vape voucher scheme is available for those who are not currently vaping	07789 935489 0800 0820 388 [email protected]
Merton	Merton Stop Smoking Service	Specialist stop smoking support for pregnant women, young people, people with mental health needs, people with respiratory illness, and people from BAME communities	020 8973 3545 [email protected]
Newham	Quit Well Newham	Personalised quit plan with vape supplies or nicotine replacement therapy	Sign up online Text 07474 082330 Call 020 7882 8230
Redbridge	Redbridge Quits Smoking	Free vapes under the swap-to-stop scheme 1:1 sessions with a specialist advisor and free nicotine replacement therapies	Text BREATHE to 82228 [email protected] 0300 303 2715
Southwark	Southwark Stop Smoking Service	Free vape starter kit and refills for up to 12 weeks from your quit date	0333 005 0159 [email protected]
Sutton	Quit Smoking	Behavioural support alongside nicotine replacement therapy*	0300 123 1044
Tower Hamlets	Quit Right Tower Hamlets	Free vape starter kit alongside an 8-week behavioural support programme	Sign up online 0207 882 8230 [email protected]
Waltham Forest	Quit Right Waltham Forest	Free vape kit bundle alongside a 12-week behavioural support programme under the NHS swap to stop scheme	Sign up online 020 7882 8230 or 0800 169 1943 [email protected]
Wandsworth	Wandsworth Stop Smoking Service	Advice to swap smoking and access to nicotine replacement therapy	0800 389 7921 [email protected]
Westminster	One You Westminster	Access to stop smoking aids including e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies 6 weeks of tailored support from a stop smoking advisor	020 3434 2500 [email protected]

Midlands

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Birmingham	GP and pharmacy-led services	Private and confidential support from a GP or chemist alongside prescription medications*	Find your local pharmacy
County of Herefordshire	Stop Smoking Service in Herefordshire	Free vape starter kits, nicotine replacement therapy and motivational support	01432 383567 [email protected]
Dudley	Your Health Dudley	Personalised support, flexible programmes and free nicotine replacement products for up to 12 weeks	Check eligibility online 01384 732 402
Milton Keynes	West Northamptonshire Stop Smoking Service	12 weeks of support, with e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy	Refer yourself online [email protected]
Shropshire	Healthy Lifestyles Service	Personalised 1:1 support from a Healthy Lifestyles Advisor over a period of 12 weeks	01952 382582 [email protected]
Staffordshire	Everyone Health Stafford	Free vapes alongside 12 weeks of support from a dedicated stop smoking practitioner	Text QUIT to 60777 0333 005 0095
Stoke-on-Trent	Stoke-on-Trent Living Well Hub	Free support for high-risk individuals	0800 085 0928
Warwickshire	Quit 4 Good	12-weeks of support from qualified Stop Smoking practitioners alongside a free vape starter kit	Refer yourself online Text QUIT to 60777 0333 005 0092
West Midlands	Pharmacy-led services	Private and confidential support from a chemist alongside prescription medications*	Find your local pharmacy

North East

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
County Durham	Smokefree County Durham	12-week quit smoking programmes led by expert advisors along with nicotine replacement products	0800 772 0565 or 0191 369 2016 [email protected]
Darlington	Darlington Stop Smoking Hub	Information and tools via telephone or online	0800 802 1850
Hartlepool	Hartlepool Stop Smoking Service	A community-focused support service combining intervention and the use of e-cigarettes	01429 272905 Or self-referral for specialist help
Middlesborough	Smoke-Free South Tees	A free stop smoking vape kit under the NHS swap to stop scheme	Refer yourself online or call 01642 727579
Tyne and Wear	Sunderland Stop Smoking Service	12-week quit programmes are run by expert advisors	Sign up online 0191 567 1057 [email protected]

North West

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Blackburn with Darwen	Blackburn with Darwen Health & Wellbeing	Personalised consultations with a Stop Smoking Advisor and prescription stop smoking medicine*	Find details of participating pharmacies online
Blackpool	Smokefree Blackpool	Advice on stopping smoking and access to free nicotine replacement therapy	Refer yourself online 0808 1964 324
Cheshire East	One You Cheshire East	Encouraging behavioural support and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (eligibility applies) to help you to quit and stay quit	Sign up online 0808 1643 202
Chester and Cheshire West	Cheshire Change Hub	Free personal quit plan with expert guidance and up to 12 weeks' worth of products to ease withdrawal symptoms	Refer yourself online 0300 777 0033 [email protected]
Cumbria	Cumbria Stop Smoking Service	Free stop smoking aids including free vapes, patches and gum alongside guidance from a tobacco addition nurse	Refer yourself online 0161 823 4157 [email protected]
Greater Manchester	Be Smoke Free Manchester	Free stop smoking aids including free vapes, patches and gum alongside guidance from a tobacco addition nurse	Refer yourself online 0161 823 4157 [email protected]
Lancashire	Smokefree Lancashire	Personalised quit plans and nicotine replacement therapy (sometimes including e-cigarettes)	Request a callback 0808 196 2638 [email protected]
Liverpool	Smokefree Liverpool	Support from a trained Stop Smoking Advisor and voucher for Nicotine Replacement products from a Liverpool pharmacy	Refer yourself 0151 374 2535 Text QUIT1 to 61825
Oldham	Your Health Oldham	Free 12-week quit programme providing accurate advice and supplying nicotine replacement products	Refer yourself online 0161 960 0255 [email protected]
Salford	Salford Stop Smoking Service	A personalised quit plan combining mental wellbeing resources and motivational support throughout your stop smoking journey	Refer yourself online 0800 952 1000, option 2
Stockport	Healthy Stockport	Residents of Stockport and Greater Manchester are eligible for free, premium access to the Smoke Free app for 6 months which includes a free vape starter kit	Refer yourself online 0161 474 3141 [email protected]
Tameside	Be Well Tameside	Free vape starter kit and up to 12 weeks-worth of e-liquid alongside behavioural support	Refer yourself online
Warrington	LiveWire Smokefree Warrington	Friendly Stop Smoking support and advice	0300 003 0818 [email protected]
Wirral	ABL Smokefree Wirral	Advice, support, and nicotine replacement therapy	Refer yourself online Text ABL to 60777 Call 0151 541 5656

Yorkshire and the Humber

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Barnsley	Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley	A choice of a free stop smoking vape kit or stop smoking aids alongside in-person support and a financial incentive scheme	Refer yourself Text YSF to 80800
Bradford	Living Well	Free vape kits with supplies and personalised support for up to 12 weeks	Complete the contact form 01274 437700 [email protected]
Calderdale	Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale	Free vape starter kit or stop smoking aids combined with in-person support and a financial incentive scheme	Refer yourself online Text YSF to 80800
Doncaster	Yorkshire Smokefree Doncaster	Free vape starter kit or stop smoking aids alongside with in-person support and a financial incentive scheme	Refer yourself online Text YSF to 80800 Call 0800 612 0011 or 0330 660 1166
East Riding of Yorkshire	East Riding Stop Smoking Service	12-week programme including a free vape starter kit and 1:1 sessions with NCSCT practitioners	Take the assessment online
Kirklees	Kirklees Wellness Service	1:1 guidance from expert coaches alongside vaping support or nicotine replacement therapy	Find a drop in centre
Leeds and West Yorkshire	Leeds Stop Smoking Services	Six sessions with an expert Health Coach, access to support communities, a free vape starter kit and carbon Monoxide (CO) breath tests to track the progress you are making	Register online Call 0800 169 4219
Lincolnshire	One You Lincolnshire	12-week stop smoking programme m with follow-up support and nicotine replacement therapy	Sign up online
North Yorkshire	Living Well Smokefree	Consultations with a Stop Smoking Advisor alongside stop smoking aids	0300 131 2131
Rotherham	Rotherham Healthwave	Personalised consultations, comprehensive resource kits and community support	Refer yourself online Text YSF to 80800 Call 0114 5536 296 or 078330 48200
Sheffield	Smokefree Sheffield	Free vapes and stop smoking aids alongside in-person support and a financial incentive scheme	Refer yourself online Text YSF to 80800 Call 0114 5536 296
Wakefield	Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield	Free stop smoking vape starter kit combined with in-person support and a financial incentive scheme	Refer yourself online Text YSF to 80800 Call 0800 612 0011 or 0330 660 1166
York	City Of York Council Stop Smoking Service	Free vapes and e-liquid for up to 10 weeks (or 12 weeks for pregnant women)	01904 553377 [email protected]

South East

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Berkshire	Smokefreelife Berkshire	Free NRTs and behaviour support for up to 12 weeks	Refer yourself Text QUIT to 66777 Call 0800 622 6360 or 0118 449 2026
Brighton and Hove	Healthy Lifestyles Team	A free vape kit and tailored behavioural support	Register online 01273 294 589 [email protected]
Buckinghamshire	Be Healthy Bucks	Up to 12 weeks of tailored support and stop smoking aids	Sign up online
East Sussex	One You East Sussex	Free vapes and nicotine patches alongside personalised support from dedicated mentors	01323 404 600 [email protected]
Hampshire	Smokefree Hampshire	Free vapes worth up to £25 plus 12 weeks of advice and support	01264 563039 or 0800 772 3649 [email protected]
Isle of Wight	Smokefree Island	A £25 voucher towards the cost of an e-cigarette and vaping supplies alongside tailored support and advice via telephone or face to face	01983 642369 or 0800 999 1396 [email protected]
Kent	One You Kent	A free vape starter kit as part of a personal quit plan with weekly support from an advisor	Refer yourself online 0300 123 1220
Medway	Medway Stop Smoking Service	A free vape starter kit paired with weekly 1:1 support sessions	Text QUIT to 81025 01634 334 800 or 0800 234 6805 [email protected]
Oxfordshire	Smokefree Oxon	Free nicotine replacement therapies and behaviour support for up to 12 weeks	Refer yourself online
Portsmouth	The Wellbeing Service	Weekly contact with a trained advisor plus nicotine replacement products*	023 9229 4001 [email protected]
Reading	Smokefreelife	Free nicotine replacement therapies and behaviour support for up to 12 weeks	Text QUIT to 66777 0800 622 6360 or 0118 449 2026
Slough	Healthier Slough	Face-to-face or online support for quitting smoking	Refer yourself online Text QUIT to 66777 Call 0800 0614 734 or 01753 373 646
Southampton	Southampton City Council	GP and pharmacy-led services to help you stop smoking through behavioural support and prescription nicotine replacement products*	Please phone your preferred pharmacy in the first instance for more information about their unique stop smoking support schemes.
Surrey	One You Surrey	Free vapes and nicotine patches alongside personalised support from dedicated mentors	Refer yourself online 01737 652168 [email protected]
West Berkshire	Smokefreelife	Free nicotine replacement therapies and behaviour support for up to 12 weeks	Text QUIT to 66777 Call 0800 622 6360
West Sussex	The Wellbeing Service	Free nicotine replacement therapies and behaviour support for up to 12 weeks, or free support via the Smoke Free digital app	Refer yourself online Call 0330 222 7980
Windsor and Maidenhead	Smokefreelife	Free nicotine replacement therapies for up to 12 weeks, face-to-face or online support and advice for quitting smoking	Refer yourself online Text QUIT to 66777 Call 0800 622 6360 or 0118 449 2026
Wokingham	Smokefreelife	Free nicotine replacement therapies and behaviour support for up to 12 weeks	Text QUIT to 66777 Call 0800 622 6360

South West

Area	NHS Stop Smoking Service	Services	Contact
Bath and North East Somerset	Community Wellbeing Hub	Face-to-face or online support to support you in quitting smoking, free vapes or nicotine replacement therapy	Refer yourself online Call 0300 247 0050
Bristol	Everyone Health Stop Smoking Service Bristol	Support from a Stop Smoking practitioner and free nicotine replacement therapy	Check your eligibility Call 0333 005 0095 Email [email protected]
Devon	Stop for Life Devon	Free quit plan tailored to your unique needs which includes support via phone, video call or in person	Refer yourself online
Dorset	Livewell Dorset	Free vapes or nicotine replacement therapy combined with dedicated coaching and support	Check eligiblity online Call 0800 1223 866 [email protected]
Gloucestershire	Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire	A 12-week programme with a specialist stop-smoking coach	Refer yourself online Call 0800 755 5533 to request a callback
North Somerset	Smokefree North Somerset	1:1 consultations, community clubs or drop-in support sessions	01275 546744 [email protected]
Plymouth	One You Plymouth	Personalised advice and support about using vaping to quit smoking	Book an appointment Call 01752 437177 [email protected]
Somerset	Smokefree Somerset	Face-to-face support sessions, advice about stop smoking medications, or access to vape kits and e-liquids	Book an appointment Or self-refer for digital support
South Gloucestershire	One You South Gloucestershire	Access to stop smoking aids including e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy* and 6 weeks of tailored support from a Stop Smoking Advisor	Call 01454 865337
Torbay	Your Health Torbay	12-week programmes run by expert advisors with a supply of free nicotine replacement therapy	Get in touch using the online contact form
Wiltshire	Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub	Free vape starter kit paired with advice from a Health Coach	Refer yourself online

*There may be a charge for these products.

FAQs

What is the NHS quit kit?

In 2012, the NHS stop smoking service launched a Quit Kit in over 7,000 pharmacies across England in a bid to reduce smoking. The kit included both advice and practical tools to help smokers stop smoking for good.

In some ways, the swap-to-stop campaign is set to replace the former NHS Quit Kit. With £35 million allocated to tobacco treatment services, swap to stop is designed to reduce smoking rates to 5% or less.

Can I get free nicotine patches on the NHS?

Advice and guidance from NHS stop smoking service representatives is free. In some cases, the stop smoking service can supply you with nicotine patches and other cessation aids at your first support session. The NHS stop smoking service can also provide prescriptions and vouchers to lower the cost.

What's more, the stop smoking service has a personalised guide to help ex-smokers in stopping smoking. A tailored stop-smoking plan based on your smoking habits, the guide supports adult smokers in kicking the habit for 28 days - at which point you're five times more likely to quit for good! Click here to create your free plan.

How OK Vape can help you stop smoking

The swap-to-stop campaign marks significant progress in reducing both smoking and smoking-related illnesses. With over a decade in the vaping space, OK Vape helps smokers transition to less harmful alternatives through education, product development and dedicated support.

Jon Martin, the Managing Director of OK Vape, said: "We know that vaping is a much safer alternative to smoking, and we believe that it has the potential to help millions of people quit for good."

The OK Vape product range includes a selection of beginner-friendly Vape Kits that are designed to give adult smokers the best possible chance of stopping smoking.

Tjobbe Andrews

Tjobbe is the E-Commerce Manager at OK Vape. Having successfully quit smoking using the OK Cigalike, Tjobbe brings a unique perspective to his articles. Now smoke-free for more than a decade, Tjobbe is dedicated to spreading the word about the advantages of swapping to stop. Outside of work, Tjobbe is an avid photographer and cherishes quality time spent with his family.

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