We Can Quit is a free group programme for people who want support to quit smoking.
The programme runs for 10 to 12 weeks. You get support to quit from a facilitator and people in your group.
You are 5 times more likely to quit for good if you:
- commit to quit for 28 days
- get support to change your behaviour
- use stop smoking medicines
How the programme works
When you join We Can Quit, you get:
- weekly support in a stop smoking group
- 1-to-1 support with a facilitator
- free medicines to help you stop smoking
To help you quit, your facilitator will:
- ask you about your smoking history
- assess your level of nicotine dependence
- recommend treatment that might work for you
Your facilitator understands how hard it is to quit. They will support you every step of the way without judgement.
Weekly group support to stop smoking
The weekly group sessions are led by a local facilitator. All facilitators are trained stop smoking advisors. The groups can be female only, male only or mixed.
The sessions are run by local organisations in places such as community centres or family resource centres.
At the sessions, you can:
- talk about any difficulties and slip-ups
- swap coping tips
- encourage each other
- check your carbon monoxide levels
Why we measure carbon monoxide levels
Carbon monoxide is a chemical found in cigarette smoke. When you smoke, carbon monoxide takes up some of the place for oxygen in your blood. This reduces the amount of oxygen that goes to your heart, brain and other organs.
Carbon monoxide levels decrease as you stop smoking. Your facilitator can measure your levels again when you have stopped smoking to see your progress.
1-to-1 support
Your facilitator will give you 1-to-1 support every week by phone or text at a time that suits you.
They will ask you how you are doing and answer any questions you have. They can also help you get back on track if you have a slip-up.
Free stop smoking medicines
To support you to quit successfully, you can get a 12-week supply of stop smoking medicines for free.
Your facilitator can:
- give you information and advice about the best stop smoking medicines for you
- arrange for you to get stop smoking medicines for free through a participating pharmacy
"Without this programme I would not have been so strong willed in giving up. The support has been amazing. Thank you."
Past participant
Find a We Can Quit group
We Can Quit groups are run by community organisations throughout the country. Programmes often start in spring and autumn. But some groups start at other times of the year.
Contact your nearest organisation to find out if there is a We Can Quit programme starting soon.
If there is no We Can Quit group in your area, you can get support from a stop smoking clinic.