Jessica Tyson
02/04/2025 • 5 min read
Ready to quit smoking but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! And, luckily, help is now just a click or conversation away. The NHS “Swap to Stop” scheme is making it easier than ever to switch from cigarettes to potentially less harmful alternatives.
Whether you’ve tried to quit before or this is your first go, here’s everything you need to know about what’s on offer — and how to make the most of it.
Let’s get straight to the point: Quitting smoking is hard. But it’s also one of the most important decisions you can make for your wellbeing. That’s where the Swap to Stop scheme comes in. Led by the NHS and supported by local services, this initiative offers free vape starter kits and behavioural support to help adult smokers take that first step by swapping cigarettes for a smoke-free alternative.
The goal is simple: Encourage smokers to make the switch. Vaping has been widely recognised as one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. It’s also potentially 95% less harmful than smoking, mainly because it doesn’t involve combustion or many of the toxic by-products found in cigarette smoke.
Smoking tobacco is associated with serious health conditions due to its toxic chemicals, and certain chemicals found in cigarette smoke are linked to lung diseases like COPD. In contrast, vaping is a significantly safer alternative for those aiming to quit smoking. This programme aims to support a smoke-free generation, one switch at a time.
Quitting smoking is a journey that requires commitment, determination, and the right support. It typically begins with setting a quit date and creating a personalised quit plan tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Understanding your reasons for quitting and identifying triggers can help you stay on track and motivated.
The NHS scheme combines nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), nicotine vapes, or prescription medications with behavioural support, such as counselling and support groups, to provide comprehensive motivation and guidance throughout your quit journey.
Depending on where you live, the scheme provides:
It’s not just about handing over a vape kit and calling it a day. Many services pair the products with ongoing behavioural support, giving you that added motivation to stay on track. This is part of a world-first national scheme aimed at reducing smoking rates in England.
The scheme is open to:
You’ll need to check with your local stop smoking service to confirm availability, but online sign-ups make the process simple in many regions.
Local stop smoking services offer free and confidential support to individuals who want to quit smoking. These services provide a range of resources, including counselling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and prescription medications, all designed to help you on your smoke-free journey.
You can access local stop smoking services through GP surgeries, pharmacies, and community centres. Trained advisors are available to provide personalised support and guidance, ensuring you have the best chance of success. These services can also extend support to family members and friends who are looking to quit smoking.
Many local stop smoking services offer various quit smoking programs, including group sessions and one-to-one support. They can provide access to free NRT and prescription medications, increasing your chances of quitting smoking successfully. By tapping into these resources, you can significantly boost your chances of achieving a smoke-free life.
Discover FREESMO’s nicotine-free productsVaping has become a popular quit smoking aid in recent years, with many individuals using e-cigarettes to help them quit. Vaping can offer a more gradual way of quitting smoking, allowing you to reduce your nicotine intake over time. E-cigarettes can mimic the sensation of smoking, making it easier to transition to a smoke-free life.
Vaping has become a popular quit smoking aid in recent years, with many individuals using e-cigarettes to help them quit. Vaping can offer a more gradual way of quitting smoking, allowing you to reduce your nicotine intake over time. E-cigarettes can mimic the sensation of smoking, making it easier to transition to a smoke-free life.
Combining vaping with behavioural support and counselling can enhance its effectiveness as a quit smoking tool. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends vaping only as a quit smoking aid, particularly for those struggling to quit using other methods, and never for those who have not smoked before
Several regions across England are already running their versions of Swap to Stop:
Each region tailors its offer to fit local needs, but the mission is the same: Help more smokers swap cigarettes in a bid to stop. Additionally, the "Stop Smoking London" initiative serves as a valuable resource for those looking to quit smoking, offering support, local services, and tools to encourage engagement with the initiative.
The idea here is harm reduction: Giving adult smokers a less harmful alternative and aiming to reduce smoking rates to 5% or less as part of a broader goal to achieve a smoke-free society by 2030.
If you’ve been thinking about quitting, now’s the time to act. The Swap to Stop scheme is there to support you, not judge you, and that’s what makes it different. Check with your local services, grab your free kit, and take that first step toward a smoke-free future.
Sign up to FREESMO todayCurious about other ways to quit? Sign up to FREESMO for helpful tips, tools, and support.
