Stoptober began in 2012 as a national government initiative designed to help people across England quit smoking by encouraging a 28‑day smoke‑free challenge — a milestone proven to make long‑term quitting far more likely. Since then, it has become a key annual campaign promoting healthier futures and raising awareness of the benefits of stopping smoking.
Here at CPSL Mind, we’re proud to support Stoptober by providing specialist, person‑centred stop‑smoking support for people across Cambridgeshire, particularly those experiencing mental health difficulties. Read below to learn more about this year’s campaign and how we’re helping people take their first steps towards becoming smoke‑free.
CPSL Mind Stop Smoking Specialist Support Service
Since launching in October 2025, our Stop Smoking Specialist Support Service has been working with adults across Cambridgeshire who smoke and may be experiencing mental health difficulties. We offer person‑centred, specialist support tailored to everyone, recognising that stopping smoking can feel especially tough when your mental health is affected.
So far, we’ve received 88 referrals, with 73 people actively engaging in the service — and 17 people already successfully stopped smoking. We support people through different approaches, including our Ready to Quit pathway and our Cut Down to Stop pathway, helping each person take achievable, confidence‑building steps towards becoming smoke‑free.
Our specialist team offers flexible support through face-to-face appointments, telephone, online sessions and community-based support, alongside behavioural support and access to stop smoking treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy and other appropriate medications.
Real‑life experiences from our service
Our Stop Smoking Specialist Support Service is built around everyone, recognising that everyone’s smoking journey is different. The feedback we receive highlights how important personalised, consistent and non‑judgemental support is for people trying to make a change.
One person using our Cut Down to Stop pathway shared how the approach helped them feel genuinely capable of quitting: “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so confident in giving up smoking before… It seems more catered to the individual.”
Another service user, who had been smoke‑free for seven weeks, described the wider impact stopping smoking had on their wellbeing and day‑to‑day life: “I never used to do stuff for myself… spending money… especially that I’ve just forked out £45 on a new handbag. Saving money from the cigarettes means I can afford to do stuff like that… I’m doing a bit more for myself.”
A third person spoke about the difference compassionate support made during a difficult time: “Steve was very understanding… You just genuinely want to help people.”
These stories reflect what sits at the heart of our service: meeting people where they are, offering encouragement without judgement, and supporting each person to make changes at a pace that feels right for them.
Our work also involves building strong partnerships with GP practices, PCNs, mental health services, community organisations and other local partners, ensuring people can access the right support at the right time. We’re also taking the service out into communities through outreach, drop‑ins and engagement events, making it easier for people to connect with us in familiar, accessible spaces.
Stoptober – a great time to start
“Stopping smoking can be one of the most positive things someone can do for their physical and mental health, but we recognise it isn’t always easy — especially when someone is experiencing mental health difficulties. Our specialist service is here to offer understanding, practical support and encouragement without judgement. Stoptober is a great time to start that conversation, whether you’re ready to quit completely or simply want to explore your options.”
— Gosia Charo, Smoking Cessation Team Lead, CPSL Mind
You don’t need to feel fully ready or confident to make a change. Our team can work with you at your own pace and help you find an approach that feels achievable.
To find out more or make a referral: cpslmind.org.uk / Joy App https://services.thejoyapp.com/en/listings/30706-cpsl-mind-stop-smoking-service-for-cambridgeshire / emai:stopsmokingteam@cpslmind.org.uk
August 10, 2026