Stopping smoking saves lives

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in England.

It can be hard to quit smoking and so we offer Havering residents the following free stop smoking support services to help them break the habit.

Free premium access to SmokeFree app

For a limited period, smokers in Havering can get six months free access to SmokeFree app (premium version), which has helped 500,000 people to give up smoking for good.

The app provides access to 24/7 real time support and 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy or vapes, delivered to your door, at no extra cost.  

Community Pharmacy Stop Smoking Service

A service offered by selected pharmacies within the borough.

It includes face-to-face consultations and a wide range of aids to help people quit smoking including nicotine replacement products (NRT) and Varenicline, a more effective medication to help when quitting smoking.

The service is available at the following pharmacies in Havering.

  • Ardleigh Green Pharmacy, 100 Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch RM11 2LG
  • Asvacare Ltd Pharmacy, 197 Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0JR
  • Crescent Pharmacy, 65 Masefield Crescent, Harold Hill RM3 7PB
  • Healthcare Pharmacy, 2 Tadworth Parade, Elm Park RM12 5AS
  • Mim Pharmacy, 118 North Street, Romford RM1 1DL
  • Orchard Village Pharmacy, Mick Fury House, Lowen Road, Rainham RM13 8HT

Just pop in to one of these pharmacies and make an appointment with the pharmacist.

Varenicline

Varenicline is a medication used to help you to stop smoking by reducing cravings and helping with withdrawal symptoms.

Taking Varenicline along with counselling provided by your pharmacist should increase your chance of quitting smoking for good.

The medication is taken daily with effects being noticed within a few days of beginning the course.

For more information visit the NHS website page about Varenicline.

Varenicline is only available through the pharmacies listed and as part of the smoking cessation programme offer, it is not available through GP’s.

Smoking and your baby

Get free support to help you quit smoking for a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby.

You will automatically be offered support from the hospital maternity team, however, you can get additional online or telephone support from the Stop Smoking London Helpline or Smokefree App.

Reasons to stop smoking when pregnant

  • You're doing the best thing for your baby's health
  • The chances of having a miscarriage or still birth are reduced
  • You'll minimise the risk of cot death (SIDS)
  • Your baby is less likely to be born early (premature) or underweight
  • Stopping smoking will help your baby in later life – some people suffer from asthma and other serious illnesses if their mother smoked while pregnant
  • Your child(ren) will be less likely to become a smoker/smokers

Vaping

There is growing evidence that vaping is one of the most effective aids to stopping smoking. 

Vaping is 95 percent less harmful than smoking cigarettes.

Using a vape can help you manage your nicotine cravings and is particular effective when used alongside behaviour support.

There is a reduced chance of relapse with behavioural support.

To get the best out of it, make sure you're using it as much as you need to and with the right strength of nicotine in your e-liquid.

You won't get the full benefit from vaping unless you stop smoking cigarettes completely.

The Independent British Vape Trade Association has details of local registered retailers.

Get more information about e-cigarettes on the NHS website.

Stop Smoking London Helpline

0300 123 1044

You can also visit the Stop Smoking London website to learn more about the reasons you smoke and how you can use this to make a personalised quit plan.

Benefits of quitting

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing.

How it will help you

The sooner you book that first appointment, the sooner you start your quit journey and can start seeing the benefits.

Did you know, you are three times more likely to successfully quit when you have support such as behaviour support with medication combined than using willpower alone.

Further useful information