Smokers urged to ‘unmask the appeal’ of tobacco and quit this World No Tobacco Day
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging smokers to use World No Tobacco Day on 31 May as an opportunity to break free from nicotine addiction and take control of their health. There are over 500 free specialist Stop Smoking Services available in communities across Northern Ireland, funded by the PHA to support smokers with their quit attempt so they don’t have to go it alone.
Doreen Regan, Health Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “Smoking is our biggest preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death, responsible for over 2,000 deaths each year, and over 25,000 hospital admissions. While smoking rates have fallen in recent years, around 14% of adults still smoke, equating to more than 200,000 people.
“This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, ‘Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’, reminds us how tobacco and nicotine products are deliberately designed to appear attractive, masking the very real harms they cause. These tactics play a key role in sustaining addiction, discouraging quit attempts and normalising use – reinforcing why nicotine addiction remains a serious and ongoing public health issue. Concerns are also growing about the rise in vaping among young people, with evidence showing that many have never previously smoked, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction and widening future health inequalities.
“New legislation banning the sale of tobacco and vapes to young people marks a major milestone for public health, reflecting the growing recognition that preventing harm from tobacco and nicotine must start early. Addressing this challenge requires strong collaboration across government, health services, education settings, communities and families.
“The PHA encourages anyone who smokes to access free, evidence-based stop smoking support through local Stop Smoking Services and join the thousands of people across Northern Ireland who are making a positive change – improving their own health and helping protect others from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. In 2024/25, 9,587 people set a quit date through PHA-funded Stop Smoking Services, with almost six in ten reported to be smoke-free at four weeks. The PHA continues to work closely with partners across the health and social care system, local government, community and voluntary organisations, and education settings to support prevention, enforcement and cessation efforts."
Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager at Cancer Focus NI, said: “We would encourage any smoker who is ready to quit, or even curious about giving it a go, to speak to a stop smoking specialist. Across Northern Ireland trained specialists are available to provide free, trusted support to make quitting as manageable as possible. You will be supported with coping with cravings, managing stress, avoiding weight gain and developing a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that people are four times more likely to quit successfully with professional support. You don’t have to do this on your own.”
Top tips for quitting smoking
- Set a quit date – and commit to it!
- Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine replacement product, and have it ready before your quit date.
- Get support from your local stop smoking service. Also, let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful, some may even join you.
- Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, (and plan alternative activities for places you associate with smoking) and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
- Focus on the benefits. The money saved from not smoking can be used for other things you or your family need or enjoy.
For more information on free stop smoking support, visit www.stopsmokingni.info
For more information on the tobacco and vapes Act, see the Department of Health’s news release, visit www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-nesbitt-welcomes-landmark-tobacco-and-vapes-act