Supporting a Smoke-Free Future
My career at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust began twenty years ago when I worked as a Support Worker on the Maudsley acute wards. From the very start, I found great fulfillment in helping people overcome their addictions and improve their overall physical health. One area, in particular, sparked a strong interest: smoking cessation.
During my time on the wards, I became increasingly determined to prevent service users from relapsing into smoking, especially when they were escorted outside for breaks. To combat this, I initiated "smoke-free leave," offering alternatives to smoking, such as taking park walks, visiting local cafés, or joining educational groups. These activities allowed patients to focus on healthier habits and contributed to their overall wellbeing.
By 2019, I knew I wanted to expand my impact in this area, so I applied for a role in the Smoke Free team. I became a Tobacco Dependence Advisor (TDA), working across the Lambeth Acute wards. Today, I offer specialist smoking cessation support not only to service users but also to staff members who are looking to quit smoking.
A significant development in our efforts came at the beginning of 2024 when we added the government’s new Swap to Stop scheme to our support options. This initiative provides one million smokers across England with free vaping starter kits, offering them a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. Smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK, placing a heavy burden on healthcare services. Swap to Stop is part of the government’s broader goal to create a smoke-free England by 2030, helping to reduce smoking-related health issues and improve public health.
At the Trust, Swap to Stop has proven to be a valuable outreach tool, not only for our service users but also for supporting staff smokers. One staff member at Lambeth Hospital shared his experience with the programme:
I approached Suzanne about the Swap to Stop programme a few months ago because I wanted to stop smoking for my health, both now and for the future. Suzanne immediately offered support and guided me through the process. While I haven’t fully quit smoking yet, I’ve significantly reduced the amount I smoke and am aiming to stop completely soon. The team has been incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and always approachable. If you’re considering quitting, I highly recommend speaking to Suzanne or another team member. They’re always willing to help. Thank you for all your support, Suzanne.
This October, our Smoke Free team is excited to celebrate Stoptober, one of the UK’s most well known annual health campaigns. Research shows that if you quit smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stay smoke free permanently. During this year’s campaign, alongside other Trust wide events and activities, we’re showcasing the benefits of Swap to Stop. The initiative offers a flexible approach, whether you’re thinking of quitting entirely, reducing your smoking, or simply looking to abstain from cigarettes during certain times of the day.
If you’re considering starting your quit journey this Stoptober, or if you’d like more information about the Swap to Stop scheme, please contact the Smoke Free team at smokefreeready@slam.nhs.uk . Your nearest TDA will be happy to help you take the next step toward a healthier, smoke-free future.
Suzanne Mark
