East Riding Marks No Smoking Day with Free Support Sessions

Wednesday 11 March marks No Smoking Day across the UK, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council is encouraging residents to take the first step towards a smoke-free life with the help of free local support sessions available throughout the region.

This year's theme — "no regrets" — is designed to inspire smokers to quit with confidence, knowing that expert help is available on their doorstep. The council is promoting its Healthier Futures programme, delivered by Xyla Health, which offers pre-booked one-to-one sessions at community venues in Beverley, Bridlington, Gilberdyke and Goole.

Where to find support

The sessions are available at convenient times and locations across the East Riding:

• Beverley — St Nicholas Community Centre, Mondays from 1.45pm to 5.45pm
• Bridlington — North Library, Mondays from 10.15am to 1.45pm and Fridays from 9.15am to 12.45pm
• Gilberdyke — War Memorial Hall, Tuesdays from 1.45pm to 5.15pm
• Goole — The Spire Church Hall, Fridays from 12 noon to 3.45pm

All appointments must be pre-booked by contacting Xyla Health on 0330 236 9102 or by emailing HealthierFuturesEastRiding@xylahealth.com.

Why quitting matters

The statistics around smoking in East Yorkshire make for sobering reading. Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the region, contributing to cancers, heart disease, stroke and respiratory conditions. It is estimated that smoking costs the NHS in the Humber region tens of millions of pounds each year in treatment and ongoing care.

But the benefits of quitting begin almost immediately. Within 20 minutes of stopping, heart rate and blood pressure start to return to normal. Within 48 hours, the body begins to clear carbon monoxide and the senses of taste and smell start to improve. Within a year, the risk of heart attack drops by half.

"The 'no regrets' theme really resonates," said a council health spokesperson. "We hear from so many people who wish they'd quit sooner. No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to make that decision and to know that you won't be doing it alone."

Tailored support that works

The Healthier Futures programme offers personalised support tailored to each individual's needs and circumstances. Sessions cover everything from nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications to behavioural strategies and coping techniques for managing cravings.

Research consistently shows that smokers who use professional stop-smoking services are up to four times more likely to quit successfully than those who try to go it alone. The combination of expert advice, regular check-ins and access to medication gives participants the best possible chance of success.

"Every person's journey is different," said a Xyla Health advisor. "Some people have been smoking for decades, others for just a few years. What they all have in common is a desire to change, and our job is to give them the tools and confidence to make it happen."

A community effort

No Smoking Day is also an opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to offer support and encouragement to those who are trying to quit. The council is encouraging East Yorkshire residents to share positive messages on social media and to check in on anyone they know who might be thinking about giving up.

For those who are not yet ready to quit, the Healthier Futures team is available for informal conversations about what support is available when the time feels right. There is no pressure and no judgement — just friendly, professional advice from people who understand the challenges involved.

To book an appointment or find out more, call 0330 236 9102 or visit the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.