With National No Smoking Day approaching on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, there has never been a better time for Erdington smokers to take that first step towards a smoke-free life.

Whether you’ve tried to quit before or are thinking about it for the first time, this year’s theme, ‘Quit and Win,’ is all about the instant victories you get when you leave tobacco behind.

In September, Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) launched Break the Habit, a FREE six-week support programme to help North Birmingham smokers to overcome their niccotine addictions.

In addition, there a range of support projects and resources currently available across Birmingham to support smokers to quit. You can access them HERE.

Stopping smoking isn’t just a long-term health goal, it’s a win for your daily life. Within just 24 hours of your last cigarette, your body begins to repair itself. Your lungs start to clear and your risk of suffering a heart attack begins to drop.

Beyond the health benefits, the financial win is also significant. With the average cost of smoking rising, the average smoker who quits their habit can expect to save around £50 a week; that’s around £200 a month back in your pocket for the things that matter most to you and your family.

Steve Sharma, Communications & Community Engagement Cordinator at WLCA leads on community engagement for Break the Habit.

He said: “Over the last six months, Break the Habit has reached into communities across Erdington and Sutton Coldfield.

“The project was launched to give smokers a route to a heathier lifestyle by working with them to adopt lifestyle changes suited to their own unique personal circumstances.

“We have also partnered with 5 Ways Pharmacy and Pharmastrat to offer smokers who are trying to quit, access to FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy to support their journey to becoming smoke free.

“Practitioner Clare McKay works out of Erdington Wellbeing Hub twice a month to offer participants one-to-one support which can includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.”

So this National No Smoking Day, why not take a step towards being smoke-free. To register for Break the Habit please click HERE