Stop smoking service

If you’ve tried quitting smoking before, you’re not alone.

Most people try several times before they succeed – but with the right support, you’re much more likely to quit for good.

Get free support today

• Takes just a couple of minutes 
• Free and friendly local support team
• Lots of different stop smoking aids available 

Free help to stop smoking in Salford 

Salford's specialist Stop Smoking Service offers free, friendly support to help you quit in a way that works for you. The service is delivered by the Health Improvement Service. 

With our help, you’re much more likely to quit for good than going it alone.

Alan’s story

Alan from Salford smoked for over 40 years before suffering a heart attack one Saturday morning. During his recovery, he was offered ongoing support from the NHS and Salford’s local Stop Smoking Service, and with the help of his family, he started his quitting journey. 

“I smoked for more than 40 years and, if I’m honest, it was mainly because of work. I’d even make my cigarettes up in advance so they were always there.

Then one Saturday morning, I thought I had indigestion and heartburn, but I was having a heart attack. That was the moment I knew I needed to stop. In the hospital, the nurses offered help, and I said yes. 

Support from my local Stop Smoking Service and using a vape to take the edge off made those first days manageable, and it got a bit easier each day. Without my stop smoking advisor and family behind me, I don’t think I could’ve done it alone.

If you want to stop, you’re already halfway there.”

Get the same support Alan used

What matters most when you stop smoking:   

• More money in your pocket
• More time with family
• Feeling back in control
• Better breathing and more energy

Smoking damages the lungs and weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections.

From the moment you quit smoking, your body starts to heal itself, which helps it fight off illnesses. Just 72 hours without smoking means your breathing will get easier, and you’re on your way to reducing your risk of a heart attack or cancer.

The sooner you stop, the sooner you will start to feel the benefits.

Who can use the service?

Anyone aged 16 and over who lives or works in Salford can get free support. We want to help as many residents as possible stop smoking so they can live healthier, happier lives.

Support in hospital (CURE Project)

If you’re a smoker who is admitted to hospital, you’ll be offered help to stop smoking whilst you’re in hospital through the CURE project. The program includes pharmacotherapy and behavioural support to help you quit and continues after you’re discharged.

How the Stop Smoking Service can help you quit

• Personal support from a trained cessation advisor
• Help choosing the right quit aid and treatment
• A 12 week plan tailored around your life
• Ongoing support to help you stay smoke free

Ready to stop smoking? 

You don’t have to do it on your own. Free local support is here when you're ready.

Choose the option that works for you:

• Call Health Improvement Connect on 0800 952 1000, option 2
• Sign up using the online form, and one of our smoking cessation team members will contact you. 
• If you need an interpreter, let us know and we will arrange one for you.

Prefer to speak to someone in person?

Drop-in sessions are available across Salford. Even if you’ve tried quitting smoking before, call in and speak to one of our stop smoking officers to get support to become a non-smoker. You’ll get a 12-week programme with options for free nicotine replacement therapy, oral medications or short-term use of free vape kits as a smoking quit aid, to support your quit smoking journey alongside one to one behavioural support.

Ready to quit? Get free support

Using vapes as a method of quitting smoking should only ever be used by adult smokers who want to quit smoking. Non-smokers should never start vaping, as some vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. 

This page was last updated on 26 June 2026