As part of Stoptober, Richmond borough is prioritising its stop smoking service and is aiming for a cigarette-free generation by 2030.
The borough has been successful in reducing its smoking prevalence, falling from 9.3% to 5.5% between 2024 and 2025, well below the England average of 9.5%, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of Richmond’s Health and Wellbeing Board, emphasises that, despite the progress made, it is imperative to push forward towards the new target of reaching 5%.
He said: “We’re absolutely committed to continuing the scheme.”
The borough’s Stoptober initiative supports those who want to quit smoking, with the councillor stating that a smoker is three times more likely to quit through a supportive service than on their own.
As part of the push towards a smoke-free generation, the council offers many approaches, such as nicotine replacement therapy and regular catch-ups.
Allen has directly experienced the impact of smoking in his life.
“My dad died at 70, three months short of my wedding, and that’s largely because he started smoking during the war,” he said.
“You don’t want to have people go through that.”
Allen acknowledges that there are certain groups the scheme is targeting more than others, with a link between a higher percentage of smokers and areas of relative deprivation.
Helping homeless people quit smoking is a particular focus of the scheme, as 76% of those surveyed were reported to smoke, compared with 14% of adults in the general population, according to the Richmond Homelessness Health Needs Assessment 2023.
The report also found that half of those who smoked wanted to quit, while 46% stated they had not been offered any advice.
Despite the council’s primary focus on tobacco smoking, Allen also emphasises the prevalent issues surrounding young people and vaping.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 became law in April and will make it illegal from January 2027 to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
It also introduces measures to regulate the advertising and promotion of tobacco and vapes.
Allen stresses the importance of education and counselling, as well as regulating vape advertising, which he believes can be particularly influential among young people.
He added: “We’re keen to stay at the head of the curve and also keen that other local authorities can see the success we’re having, and look to increase their stop smoking services in line with ours.”
Featured image credit: Eleanor Banyard
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