If you want to give up smoking and are aged 12 and over, there are free and confidential one-to-one support programmes to help. These are also suitable for people who smoke shisha.
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You are 4 times more likely to quit with specialist support.
Help from registered GPs and pharmacies
All stop smoking services in Barnet are provided by an accredited stop smoking practitioner at registered GP surgeries (PDF) and pharmacies (PDF).
You can go to any of the listed pharmacies, but if you would like to attend a GP surgery you must be registered as a patient at that practice.
Treatment
You will receive 5 weeks of free support and medications are available on prescription.
The stop smoking advisor will:
- Discuss the treatment options with you
- Provide a range of medications to help you quit.
- Support you to set a quit date and agree treatment options
- Offer you weekly consultations, where you will be able to discuss your progress
- Monitor your carbon monoxide levels
- Work with you to overcome any challenges to help you remain 100% smoke free
Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping (E-cigs/Vapes)
Electronic cigarettes provide nicotine without the harmful chemicals from cigarette smoke, in a similar way to Nicotine Replacement Therapies (patches/gum/sprays etc.). More info on using e-cigarettes.
They are not currently available on prescription from the stop smoking service but, if you would like to use them, we fully support them being included in your quit attempt as they provide nicotine and behavioural support for you while you quit the cigarettes. Talk to your Stop Smoking Advisor and they will guide you on the best ways to get the most out of vaping.
Telephone Support
Stop Smoking London provides a dedicated telephone service for anyone wanting to stop. This option may be easier, as you can access it anywhere and at a more flexible time. Note that medications will not be available from this service so you will need to source them yourself.
You can call the helpline between 9am to 8pm (Mon-Fri) and 11am to 4pm (Sat-Sun), to speak to a specially trained advisor (stating that you are a London resident).
Stop Smoking London Helpline: 0300 123 1044
Frequently asked questions
Referrals
You do not need a referral to access the services.
Appointment and walk-ins
If you are attending your GP surgery you will need to make an appointment. You do not need to make an appointment to be seen at a pharmacy but calling ahead will ensure that the advisor is available.
If I go to a pharmacy will I receive an assessment on the same day?
Yes, if there's a stop smoking advisor available.
Does the service include group treatment?
No, currently all support is one-to-one but group sessions will be available at some venues over the coming year, please email us for further information.
Will I be expected to go into the pharmacy or my GP every week?
It is important that you come in at least once for a face-to-face appointment. Then the advisor can answer any questions and retest your carbon monoxide levels. Other appointments can take place over the phone if necessary.
For general enquiries about the Smoking Cessation Service, please use smokingcessation@barnet.gov.uk or contact your GP or pharmacy directly.
