Nearly 350 smokers in Havering have signed up to quit in the past year after the launch of a new stop smoking app designed to give residents round-the-clock support.
The initiative is part of a pilot programme offering residents free access to the app for 12 weeks, along with 24/7 stop smoking advisor support, free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), free vapes, and motivational tips to help them stay on track.
Hundreds sign up to quit smoking in Havering
Since the pilot began in November 2024, a total of 347 Havering residents have registered for the app, with 292 people setting a quit date. Participants were also able to seek face-to-face support through local pharmacies.
The programme was funded by the government until March 2025 and has since been continued by Havering Council and local partners in response to ongoing demand from smokers looking for structured support.
London-wide response shows strong appetite for quitting
Across London, more than 2,500 people registered to use the stop smoking app.
Key insights from the pilot include:
50% of participants were aged 18–34
64% smoked within 30 minutes of waking
Average cigarette use was 13 per day
After four weeks:
43% had quit
19% relapsed
38% did not respond to follow-up
The findings highlight how many smokers start young — often to “fit in”— and later become dependent, with many using smoking as a coping mechanism. Many users said they wanted support but didn’t feel able to quit alone.
Local resident shares his stop smoking success
Graeme, who quit smoking 10 months ago after using the app, said the digital support helped him stay accountable:
“I smoked for over 25 years and tried on and off to stop, but when I was socialising, I would easily slip back into it. As I’ve got older, I’ve been thinking more about my health, and I found that the app would give me a bit of a nudge by checking how I was doing and keeping me on track.”
Quitting has also had a major financial impact for him:
“I feel much better for stopping, and so does my pocket, as I was spending around £25 a day on cigarettes and a cuppa every time I went to the shop.”
Council commits to ongoing stop smoking support
Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, praised the commitment shown by local residents:
“The number of people who signed up to the smoke-free app and remained committed shows the level of motivation there is among smokers to quit.”
She added that the council will continue funding the app in the coming months due to its clear impact on resident health, wellbeing and long-term outcomes.
