Workplace Stop Smoking Support

Essex Working Well launches the Smokefree Employer Award

We are proud to be launching our NEW Smokefree Employer Toolkit.  For more details contact 

You will also be able to Sign up to our NEW Smokefree Employer Award, this is a “stand-alone” award, that can count towards your Workplace Wellbeing Award, Health Schools Workplace Wellbeing Award or your Accreditation.

You can also download  our Essex Working Well Stop Smoking Self Referral flyer from our Members Area as well as the What Happens when you Stop Smoking poster (below)

You’re 3 times more likely to quit with the support of an NHS Stop Smoking Advisor.  Essex Working Well will be launching the
Essex Smokefree Employer Award, and we’d love as many of our workplaces to sign up.  It’s simple to do:

• Complete the VBA (Very Brief Advise eLearning) and attend regular VBA Advisor drop ins, to learn about new campaigns and tips and tricks to keep stop smoking support conversations happening
• Display the Self Referral Flyers in staff areas
• Host a Stop Smoking Drop-in – to allow your colleagues to talk face to face with an advisor

Did you know that Essex has a smoking prevalence of 12.2%, but some districts in Essex can be as high as 24.9%.  According to Action on Smoking and Health, smoking costs Essex £1.07billion per year, this includes:

• £691 million in lost productivity
• £39.7 million in healthcare costs
• £268 million in lost earnings
• £9.25 million in smoking related fires

Add to these figures:

• Two in three people who smoke long-term will die prematurely, losing 10 years of their life on average.
• A person smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 50 years, has a carbon footprint of 5.1 tonnes, which would need 132 seedlings planted and grown for 10 years to offset it.
• Nationally a smoker spends on average £2,338 per month on tobacco products, and pushes 103,000 households into poverty, and 281,000 children live in smoking households

If you have decided you want to quit, contact the Essex Working Well Stop Smoking team for fast track support

Kate Bloom – Workplace NHS Stop Smoking Support – Why I Quit

 “Honestly, I’d simply reached the point where I’d had enough. I’d been considering stopping for quite a while, mainly because of the health benefits, but kept putting it off. When I spotted the NHS posters at work, I finally thought, “just get on with it.”

 I received brilliant support from my adviser, Bethan, through our weekly check-ins. I stuck to the quitting plan she suggested and used patches along with a vape for 12 weeks. I’ve been off the patches for a long time now and still use the vape occasionally, though I’m working on cutting that down too. I genuinely don’t think I would have managed without Beth’s guidance—it made all the difference.

 I did have one slip-up on holiday in Greece, but after taking a single puff, I realised how awful it tasted and that was enough to keep me on track. 

 Nearly 10 months on, I’ve saved over £4,300 and feel healthier—and look healthier than I have in years. I’ve even taken up Pilates!

 My biggest piece of advice is to quit when you feel ready, not because someone else says you should. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time”

Gemma’s story – Why I quit (workplace support)

“I started smoking 12 years ago.  I was smoking 14-17 cigarettes a day.  The Essex Working Well Stop Smoking service was promoted in my workplace, and I had tried to quit before, but this time I wanted to quit because of the cost and also to improve my health.

The NHS Advisor recommended NRT patches, gum and an inhalator.  For me, the biggest barrier was overcoming social smoking while drinking alcohol, but the Stop Smoking  Advisor’s support 100% helped.  I was worried I would be told off, but this was not the case at all.

100% – the 1:1 support I received from the Stop Smoking advisor helped me quit.  “Thank you so much Beth, I don’t think I could have done it without you😊”

I’ve been smokefree since October 2025, and I now find I breathe easier, have more energy and a happier mood.  My teeth are brighter, my hair is smoother and my taste & smell are so much better!

I would 100% recommend the Essex Working Well NHS Stop Smoking Service.”

Elizabeth, Provide Why I quit (Workplace)

“I was smoking 10-15 cigarettes a day and had tried quitting before.  The health benefits and the cost of smoking were the reason I decided I wanted to quit.  I saw the free NHS Stop Smoking Support advertised in my workplace.

 As Stress was a big trigger for me, and continues to be one.  The Workplace Stop Smoking Advisor was absolutely fantastic help to me, and a great support throughout my journey.

 After considering the range of stop smoking aids, I used a vape, as it felt closer to the act of smoking, rather than just quitting.  I used the vape quite a bit at first and then moved to an inhalator, which I continue to use when I have stressful moments.

 My energy levels have increased and, of course, I’ve saved money, which I’ve been putting towards things I need/want in my house.

 If someone is ready to give up, I would absolutely recommend the Essex Working Well Stop Smoking programme … and already have. 

 Thank you for all the support that has been given to me.  I couldn’t have done it without you.”