Published on 25th November 2025
Welcome
Welcome to our winter Newsletter, packed with lots of useful tips, service updates and success stories. Our team created a guide to staying smokefree in the winter, and we tell you all about our newest member of the team Leah. Read all about Colin’s smokefree journey and what he did with his savings.
Service update
Service Manager Simon
Important updates are here to enhance our stop smoking services across Newcastle, bringing more support, more options, and more ways to quit.
Varenicline is now available in service*
What is Varenicline?
Varenicline is a prescription medication used to help people stop smoking. It works by:
- Reducing cravings for nicotine.
- Blocking nicotine’s effects on the brain, making smoking less satisfying.
- Easing withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability.
Effectiveness
- Varenicline can double or triple the chances of quitting compared to no aid.
- When combined with behavioural support, it helps around 1 in 4 people quit smoking. [england.nhs.uk]
Smokefree app
The Smoke Free app is an evidence-based digital tool designed to help individuals quit smoking through structured support, behavioural science, and motivational features. We have unique download codes for the Smoke Free app which will opens all the premium features for free, and a vape or Nicotine Replacement delivered to your door.**
The Smokefree app includes:
- Personalised Quit Plan: Choose tools and tailor your approach.
- Daily Missions: Scientifically proven to double quit rates.
- AI Quit Coach: Chatbot support that further boosts success chances.
- Progress Tracking: Time smoke-free, money saved, health improvements.
- Craving Management: Log triggers and track patterns.
- Community Support: Encouragement from other quitters.
- Expert Advice: Daily clinics and 24/7 advisor access for Pro users.
- Gamification: Badges, milestones, and motivational stats.
- Evidence-Based: Built on 50 years of behavioural science and UK/US guidelines.
*Stop Smoking Advisors can only recommend Varenicline; your pharmacists will make the final decision.
** Must be over 18 for a vape.
Padlet digital resources platform
Our clients now have access to our digital resource’s platform alongside their treatment. Answering FAQs, and letting you know what to expect before your first appointment, our Padlet page is a go-to for information. With the platform you get tools and resources to help with your smokefree journey such as a cravings log, savings calculator, motivation and goals support, as well as detailed tutorials on how to use your medication. Visit our page.
Meet the team
Our team is here for you. We’re all passionate about helping our local community stop smoking and making you feel happier and healthier by achieving your quit goals.
So, let’s get to know the newest member of our team… Stop Smoking Advisor Leah
Colin’s smokefree journey
Here is a snippet from Colin’s smokefree story, including what he bought with his savings
“For 16 years, I had a cigarette to my mouth… but now there is no going back for me”.
"Recently, I have went through a really hard time – but I didn’t even think about smoking. It was the anniversary of my son’s death – and I was in a bad state, crying, and having brain fog at work. I went through the hardest thing I could go through – but I didn’t even think about smoking.
That was because this time, I was ready. I told my brain ‘I’m done’. You have to do it at a time that is right for you, and this time, it was right for me.
After quitting, I started saving money left right and centre. I haven’t been borrowing money before payday, and I have money left in the bank every month. I realised I had been spending £800 a month on cigs. The first time I had pay after quitting, I used the money saved to buy a passport, then next month I bought my kids’, and then I got my wife one! We have just booked a holiday abroad to Spain with the money saved from quitting.
I also bought a bike, so that I could start cycling to work, and get exercise. This summer, we went to Blackpool and did loads of activities like the pleasure beach – where the kids could go on rides and have ice-creams. None of those activities would have happened before, because we would have spent that money on tabs.
The part of the service that helped me the most was Simon [my advisor]. Just knowing you were getting that phone call in a week, or two weeks, made the difference. Simon helped so much – knowing how proud he was [of my journey] and like he couldn’t wait to hear the next part of my story, and all my successes. Having someone being so happy for you can make you happy for yourself."
Read the full story here, and a massive congratulations and thanks to Colin for sharing his inspiring journey!
How To Stay Smokefree During the Winter
Tips on how to look after yourself in this season – from our team.
Winter can be one of the toughest seasons to stay smokefree. The cold air can make breathing feel harsh, and for some, it triggers old habits, where they might have linked smoking to warmth and comfort.
Shorter days and less sunlight can affect mood and motivation, and festive gatherings or long, dark evenings indoors can bring social temptations and stress. We know that it can feel easier to reach for a cigarette during these seasonal pressures — but we also know that recognising these triggers is the first step to overcoming them.
With the right strategies and support, it’s entirely possible to stay smokefree and protect your health through the colder months. We asked our team for their top tips and advice to make sure you stay smokefree in the winter.
Christmas can mean more social gatherings — here is Leni’s guide you can follow to stay smokefree in social settings where others might be smoking.
- Enlist a quit buddy
- Ask a loved one or close friend, someone you are out with, that can help you stick to your goals, and you can tell if you are struggling. Just having someone there who knows can help you feel less alone in your journey.
- Stay inside
- Stay in the warmth, rather than going outside to join the smokers. Being around cigarettes in the cold outside might be triggering. Maybe you could even nip to the toilet or the bar instead.
- Enjoy yourself to the fullest
- Take the time to eat and enjoy the food – you deserve a sweet treat or a delicious meal – enjoying nutritious food is far better than smoking! Also enjoy dancing and chatting – this will take your mind off cravings.
- Consider drinking a bit less
- Possibly drinking less alcohol could help, especially for those whose cravings are triggered hugely by alcohol. You could try ‘zebra-striping’ – alternating each drink with a non-alcoholic drink between. A small coke or lemonade between drinks can help rehydrate you. If you aren’t ready to tackle a drinking social situation yet, you could consider driving to the event and not drinking at all.
- Refill!
- Making sure you have all NRT, vape refills and your vape fully charged means you will always have help with cravings in your pocket.
Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself – being smokefree is a fantastic achievement, but is not easy. If you slip up, don't beat yourself up about it, and don't throw in the towel, just start again the next day.
Emma’s favourite winter self-care idea that helps you feel good, without turning back to cigarettes.
“When cravings come along, try and get on the move. Exercise isn't just good for your health, it's one of the best ways to help yourself when stopping smoking. Physical activity diminishes cravings, reduces stress, lifts your mood and helps prevent weight gain. Don't worry, we aren't suggesting you run a marathon, just a 10-minute walk, or some simple stretches, dancing to your favourite music - it's the movement that counts! Little bursts of activity can really help.”
Kay - what would you say to someone who’s worried about slipping up over the festive season?
The festive season is a time for celebration, connection, and joy—but it can also bring challenges for those committed to staying smoke-free. With social gatherings, stress, and changes to routine, it’s natural to feel worried about slipping up. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track and feel confident during this time.
1. Acknowledge the Challenges - Recognising challenges isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of awareness. By acknowledging these, you can prepare and plan ahead.
2. Plan Ahead for Social Situations - If you’re attending parties or gatherings where smoking might occur, think about how you’ll respond if offered a cigarette. A simple, firm “No thanks, I don’t smoke anymore” works well
3. Celebrate Your Progress - Every smoke-free day is an achievement. Reward yourself with something positive—a treat, a relaxing activity, or time with loved ones. Remind yourself why you started this journey and how far you’ve come.
4. Have a Backup Plan - If you do slip up, don’t panic. One cigarette doesn’t undo all your hard work. Reflect on what triggered the lapse and get back on track immediately. Keep NRT products accessible and consider setting a fresh quit date if needed.
Remember: Staying smoke-free during the festive season is possible with preparation, support, and the right tools. You’ve got this—and every choice you make brings you closer to a healthier, happier you.
Recipe
Staying healthy and smokefree means more than just stopping smoking. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and can help you feel at your best too.
The nights are getting longer and colder... and sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up to feel better. Warming, comfort food can hit the spot and make you feel so good. Try this recipe, it’s great to use up leftover winter vegetables from a roast! Carrots, parsnips, roast potatoes or greens – anything works well in this curry from BBC Good Food. You might be surprised to find lots of the other ingredients already in your cupboards too.
Winter Vegetable Curry
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp coconut or olive oil
- 1 tbsp black mustard seeds
- 10 fresh or 20 dried curry leaves
- 150g/ shallots, finely sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 40g ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 30g fresh coriander, stalks finely sliced, leaves roughly chopped
- ½–1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 x 400ml tins coconut milk
- 150ml vegetable stock or water
- 600g cooked seasonal vegetables (such as parsnips, roast potatoes, carrots or squash)
- 200g cooked greens (such as Brussels sprouts, chard, spinach, broccoli or kale)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- cooked rice or naan breads, to serve
Method
- Using a large pan on a medium heat, warm the oil and add the mustard seeds. Cook until they begin to pop, then add the curry leaves and fry for 30 seconds.
- Add the shallots, garlic, ginger and coriander stalks, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, or until the shallots soften.
- Once softened, add some or all of the chilli (depending on your taste) and turmeric. Cook for a further minute before stirring in the coconut milk and vegetable stock (or water). Bring to a simmer and cook for five minutes to allow all the flavours to develop. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
- Add the vegetables and slowly bring back to a simmer. Cook for five minutes, then take off the heat and stir through the coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rice or naan breads to mop up the delicious sauce.
Winter Festival
It’s the Annual Winter Festival at Elswick Pool on Saturday the 13th of December, with lots of activities, stalls, and other charities and organizations involved.
It is great fun for the family, kids, or a warm place to grab a hot drink and have a chat.
We will be there - come to our stall and say hi! We can offer advice on smoking or vaping, or just a friendly conversation. We have lots of goodies as well, including yummy sugar free lollipops.
You can find out more here.
Links and resources
We know the festive period can be difficult for some, for many different reasons. To help yourself, or find out more about what others around you might be dealing with, this article talks about how to cope with some struggles.
For more information, wellbeing advice and support, see the following links.
Get in touch
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