Published at 17 July, 2025 09:50.
This July, we are celebrating 25 years of delivering smoking cessation services in Sheffield.
In the last 25 years, Smokefree Sheffield has helped over 150,000 people during their stop-smoking journey, providing free behavioural support and stop-smoking aids. One in three people have successfully quit, which means there are at least 2,000 fewer smokers in Sheffield every year. Today, the number of people stopping with the service is double the national average, which is a huge achievement.
“I joined the stop smoking group in Sheffield as a smoker in 2000. I entered onto a programme that helped me quit smoking. This year is my 25th anniversary of becoming smokefree. Shortly after this, in 2003, I completed my advisor training and facilitated groups throughout the city to support others to start their smokefree journeys. I have been working within the Smokefree Sheffield team ever since and I have found the experience incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to see what else we can achieve in the near future.”
- Maggie Milne, Smokefree Sheffield Service Manager
This achievement coincides with England’s landmark smokefree legislation turning 18, which has significantly impacted overall public health. The legislation, which banned smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, is widely regarded as the great public health success of the last 20 years.
A new summary of the evidence finds significant health benefits, limited evidence of economic harms and widespread compliance and public support. An estimated 14,000 babies’ lives were saved in the four years after the law’s introduction, due to mothers having lower exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy.
An academic review of the past 18 years of smokefree laws found no compelling evidence that the legislation has harmed the pub trade. With smoking rates now 40% lower than in 2007, there is a strong case for further protections to be put into place.
“There are children becoming adults this year who have never known smoke-filled public spaces and who might not be alive today if it weren't for the life-saving impact of smokefree legislation. A world with fewer smokers and less exposure to tobacco smoke benefits us all.”
- Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive, ASH
For more information about Smokefree Sheffield or for free support, guidance or stop-smoking tools, visit smokefreesheffield.org.
