Made a New Year resolution to quit smoking? Free support is at hand
As the New Year begins, many people across the Lancaster district are looking to improve their health, wellbeing, and finances.
For those choosing 2026 as the year they finally quit smoking, Smokefree Lancashire is offering free, friendly, and effective support through a network of local community hubs.
Quitting smoking remains one of the most powerful steps a person can take to improve their health, and the New Year is one of the most successful times to start.
With expert guidance, practical tools, and support from trained stop‑smoking advisors and ex‑smokers, residents are being encouraged to make this the year they leave tobacco behind for good.
Free Smokefree Lancashire clinics are running at community venues across the district, including:
- Stanleys Community Centre – Morecambe
- Positive Futures – Lancaster
- Marsh Community Centre – Lancaster
- Skerton Community Centre – Lancaster
- St Chad’s Church Hall – Lancaster
- The Cornerstone – Lancaster
- Bay Veterans Association – Morecambe
These hubs offer one‑to‑one support, nicotine‑replacement products, personalised plans, and regular check‑ins to give people the best chance of quitting successfully.
Councillor Mandy Bannon, cabinet member with responsibility for Communities, Well-being and Partnerships, said: “Every year, people make New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions, but sticking to them can be tough without the right support. Quitting smoking is one of the best gifts someone can give themselves and their family. It means more energy, better health, and extra money in their pocket each month.
“These local clinics offer practical advice and understanding from people who know exactly how hard it can be. Help is right here in our communities, and it can make a real difference to families across the district.”
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness, but research consistently shows that those who access professional stop‑smoking services are three times more likely to quit successfully than those who try to quit unaided.
The financial benefits are also significant. The average 10 a day smoker could save an average of £172 every month by quitting - money that makes a real difference with the cost‑of‑living pressures that are being felt by most families.
Find your nearest clinic and book a session by visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/smoke-free.
Alongside expert advice and practical support, many of the community hubs also offer free activities to help people on their smoke-free journey.
Marsh Community Centre runs a welcoming wellbeing group and a weekly walk, providing encouragement and companionship for anyone looking to quit.
And More Music will soon launch “Monday Morning Melodies”, a new singing session at Morecambe Library. Singing is a fun way to boost lung health and wellbeing, and these sessions offer a positive distraction for those wanting to quit smoking.
Last updated: 24 December 2025