Published on 30th June 2026
Service update
We’re here for the next 3 years!
We’ve got some great news to share…SmokeFree Hull will continue for another three years. This gives us the chance to keep building on the support we offer and reach even more people across Hull who want to quit smoking and improve their health.
Every person who quits smoking makes a difference, not just for themselves, but for their families and their community. Better health, more energy, and more money in your pocket all add up to a better quality of life.
And that’s what we’re all about, helping Hull feel healthier, stronger, and more connected.
You’ll spot us around Hull over the summer at local events and community spaces. We’re getting out and about, having conversations, sharing support, and making it easier for people to take that first step.
If you see us, come and say Hi. Whether you want advice, information, or just a quick chat, we’d love to meet you!
With the warmer weather here, stay hydrated, take care in the sun, and look after your wellbeing. Small steps all count when it comes to your health.
Hot weather and smoking
Warm weather can feel great, but it can also put extra strain on your body, especially if you smoke. Many people don’t realise that some of the things they feel in the heat, like tiredness, headaches or irritability, can actually be made worse by smoking.
Nicotine affects how your body works in several ways. It can increase your heart rate and contribute to dehydration, which is already more likely in hot weather. This combination can leave you feeling more fatigued, dizzy or run down, even if you think you’re just reacting to the heat. Sometimes what feels like a craving is actually your body asking for water, rest or a break.
Smoking can also affect your circulation and breathing, which are both important in helping your body stay cool. In warmer temperatures, your heart has to work harder to regulate your body temperature. When smoking is added into the mix, it can make you feel more uncomfortable, more out of breath and less able to enjoy activities like walking, being outdoors or spending time with others.
Energy levels can also take a hit. While people often expect to feel more energised in the summer, smoking can reduce oxygen flow around the body, making fatigue feel more noticeable. That sluggish, heavy feeling in the heat isn’t something you just have to put up with—it’s something that can improve when you stop smoking.
There is some good news. Summer can actually be a great time to quit. Within just a few days of stopping, your hydration and circulation begin to improve, and your body can cope better with warmer conditions. Within a few weeks, many people notice easier breathing, better energy levels and improved sleep—even during hot nights.
Simple swaps can make a big difference when cravings hit in the heat. Drinking cold water first, stepping outside for fresh air without smoking, or having something in your hand like an iced drink or snack can help you move through the moment. Sometimes, giving your body what it actually needs is all it takes to reduce the urge.
It’s worth remembering that not every craving is really a craving. In summer, it could be thirst, overheating or tiredness. Learning to recognise the difference can help you feel more in control and make it easier to choose a healthier response.
Sometimes your body isn’t asking for a cigarette—it’s asking for something else. And that’s something you can give it.
Cravings during summer
Summer changes more than the weather—it changes your routine, your surroundings and your habits. That’s why cravings can sometimes feel stronger or appear at different times of day. In reality, cravings are rarely random. They’re often linked to specific moments, places or feelings, and summer simply brings more of those moments into your day.
Spending more time outdoors, socialising in beer gardens, going on holiday or having less structure can all bring smoking habits to the surface. You might notice you automatically reach for a cigarette when you sit outside in the sun, have a drink with friends, or take time off work. These are what we call “trigger moments”—and the good news is that once you spot them, you can start to take back control.
For example, social settings like pubs, BBQs or outdoor gatherings can be a strong trigger, especially if smoking has always been part of those environments. Planning ahead can make a big difference. Holding a drink or snack, keeping your hands busy, or deciding in advance that you won’t smoke can help you stay on track without feeling like you’re missing out.
Holidays and time off can also bring challenges—but they can be an opportunity too. When your usual routine changes, it gives you the chance to break old habits and create new ones. Starting your quit during a break, bringing nicotine replacement with you, and building small new routines—like going for a short walk after meals or enjoying a morning coffee without a cigarette—can help reshape your day in a positive way.
Even quieter moments, like sitting outside at home, can trigger cravings because they’re so closely tied to habit. Changing your setup slightly, such as sitting in a different spot or pairing that time with something new like a cold drink or listening to a podcast, can help break the automatic link between relaxing and smoking.
A helpful way to think about cravings is to follow three simple steps: spot the moment, pause, then swap. Recognise when a craving is building, give yourself a few minutes for it to pass, and replace the action with something else. Over time, this becomes easier and those cravings lose their power.
Summer isn’t making you crave more. It’s simply highlighting the habits that are already there. And that gives you the perfect opportunity to change them.
Client success story
It was a group thing, really. I was offered a fag when I was younger at school, and you think it makes you look good, but it doesn’t. When I came into the SmokeFree Hull service, I was smoking 50 grams in two days. I was given varenicline to help me quit, and it made it all possible.
I had tried to quit many times before. In 2010, I stopped altogether for six months using patches, but I had really bad nightmares and it irritated my skin. I relapsed due to stress and started smoking again, as I thought it helped me cope. I gave quitting another go early last year with the service, but I didn’t have the willpower or motivation to really see it through at that time.
However, hats off to my advisor, Chelsea, who supported me this time — she was a godsend to work with! She has such a positive attitude, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to support me through this.
I was really struggling with my health. I was binge eating, which wasn’t good, and I was always out of breath. My health was definitely going downhill, but stopping smoking has made a huge difference. Using the varenicline tablets was a great help, as they took away my cravings, even after only three days. I have mental health issues and I’m on other medication too, but I had zero side effects from the tablets. My appetite increased, but this was a good thing, and I started to make healthier food choices. I’ve now changed my diet — I’m eating less, but more frequently. That first appointment with Chelsea was a major turning point for me, and things have improved ever since.
I initially heard about the SmokeFree Hull service through social media, and I also spoke to some of their other clients, who all said they found the service helpful. Some didn’t get on very well with varenicline, and it may not be for everyone, but I was determined to put the effort in this time. If you do too, you will quit. I wasn’t going to let this beat me. I am now 16 weeks smokefree and couldn’t be prouder.
Since quitting, I’m now walking everywhere and cycling too. My finances are much better, and I’m saving a lot of money by not buying fags anymore. Smoking is such an expensive habit. Prior to quitting, I used to smoke cannabis as well, but I’ve stopped that too. I now find the smell awful, and whenever I have visitors, like my support worker who smokes, I ask them not to smoke because I don’t want my property smelling of tobacco anymore.
The support from Chelsea was amazing. She was respectful and helpful, and we would talk about much more than just my smoking. She was caring, and she listened without judgement. She helped me see how far I’d come and gave me the encouragement to be proud of that. It felt like a real pat on the back, which we all need from time to time, and it helped push me forward. She gave me the determination I needed to continue.
You just need to take that first step and not give up. It’s achievable when you put your mind to it and believe in yourself. I wouldn’t recommend throwing yourself in at the deep end and going cold turkey though — be honest with yourself. Get rid of all your cigarettes and give yourself a couple of weeks to prepare mentally. Just believe you can do it.
It’s definitely worth getting in touch with SmokeFree Hull. They are a great service, the staff are brilliant, and 100% supportive. Chelsea was the best person to help me — I’m so glad I got her.
Give it a go. It will improve your health, prolong your life, and save you money. You’ll see a real difference in both your physical and mental health. Just stay determined, keep going, and you will conquer it.
Healthy recipe
Katie, our Administrator and Data Lead, gives us her summer recipe, that’s quick, and easy, and comes straight from her garden!
Tomato, chilli and prawn linguine
There’s nothing quite like cooking with ingredients you’ve grown yourself. Gardening has been a fantastic way to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and stay focused on a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle.
Since starting my own small herb and vegetable patch, I’ve loved bringing homegrown flavours into family mealtimes—especially juicy vine tomatoes, vibrant red chillies, and fragrant basil leaves.
One of our recent favourites is this simple yet delicious tomato, chilli and prawn linguine. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavour—perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 300g dried linguine (or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 400g cherry vine tomatoes
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 150g raw king prawns
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh basil leaves
Fresh, easy, and full of goodness—this dish is a great reminder of how rewarding it can be to grow and cook your own food.
A smokefree summer in Hull
Summer in Hull doesn’t have to cost much to feel good. In fact, some of the simplest, low-budget activities can make a real difference to your mental health and can be powerful tools for staying smokefree.
Start with walking by the water. The Hull Marina, Humber Street, or Victoria Dock all offer fresh air and a sense of openness. The marina is a relaxed, scenic place to walk, sit, or unwind by the water. When cravings hit, movement is your friend: walking distracts your mind, reduces stress, and gives your body something else to focus on instead of smoking.
Hull has no shortage of green spaces to reset your mood. East Park, Pearson Park, Pickering Park, and West Park all offer space to slow down, breathe, and reflect. East Park alone has lakes, walking routes, and even a free animal centre. You can explore more here: Hull Parks & Open Spaces. Sitting in nature—even briefly—can reduce anxiety, and practising being still without a cigarette helps break the link between relaxation and smoking.
If you’re drawn to calmer, creative environments, try Ferens Art Gallery or Humber Street Gallery. Ferens is free to visit and full of art spanning hundreds of years. Giving your mind something to focus on helps cravings pass more quickly and improves your overall mood.
Hull’s Old Town and free museums—like StreetLife Museum and Wilberforce House—offer a chance to explore history at your own pace. Engaging your attention in something new can be a powerful distraction when cravings surface.
For a change of scenery, head out to the coast. Bridlington offers award-winning beaches, long promenades, and plenty of space to walk, while Hornsea Beach has a quieter, more relaxed feel with wide open views and a calm promenade. Sea air and deep breathing can reduce cravings, while noticing how your breathing improves without smoking can strengthen your motivation.
If connection helps, spend time in Trinity Market, Queen’s Gardens, or Queen Victoria Square. Swap a smoking break for a “pause moment” with a coffee or a seat in the sun. Replacing the habit, not just removing it, is key to staying smokefree.
You could also explore Hull Central Library or local community spaces offering free activities. Structured, welcoming environments help build routines where smoking doesn’t fit in.
For something more active, try walking routes, cycling, or outdoor gym equipment in parks. Exercise reduces nicotine cravings, boosts your mood, and reminds you of the physical benefits of staying smokefree.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of small rituals. Sitting by the Marina with a drink, journaling in a park, or sketching the city can replace the routine of smoking. Often, it’s the pause and habit we miss most, so creating new ones really matters.
Staying smokefree isn’t just about stopping, it’s about filling your time with things that make you feel better. Hull has plenty of simple, low-cost ways to help you feel calmer, healthier, and more in control this summer.
Pride in Hull
We're working alongside other local addiction services to have a health and wellbeing presence at Hull Pride this year on Saturday 25th July at 12-6pm.
Pride provides an opportunity for the city to come together to celebrate the LGBT+ community with our friends and allies; to celebrate diverse sexualities and genders; to tell people that they are welcome in Hull; and to fight for progress and acceptance.
We'll be there to talk to people about stopping smoking, to show the risks to your health and the many benefits of quitting, with interactive resources, games and leaflets and goodies to take away!
By coming together, we help people take that important first step toward a healthier, smokefree future.
The Community Market will be at King Edward Street and the main stage at Zebedee’s Yard. (The Parade starts at 11am on Wellington Street, winding into the city centre).
Join us as we celebrate equality, diversity, and community with a day of outstanding performances and a whole load of fun across the city.
For full details on the Pride event, and what to expect visit their website.
Macmillan coffee morning
We had great success last year, so we're hosting another Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support - a cause that’s close to the hearts of many of our staff and smokefree clients.
Date: Friday 25th September
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Location: The Rainbow Centre, Wheeler Street, HULL, HU3 5QE
Whether you’re popping in for a quick cuppa or staying for the fun and games, your support will help raise vital funds for Macmillan’s incredible work.
If you can't make it on the day, you can still support by donating here
Additional resources
Our digital resources platform allows you to access more information and tools to help you on your smokefree journey, as well as share feedback too!
You can download additional worksheets such as:
- A cravings log
- A savings calculator
- Motivation and goals worksheets
- A CO reading tracker
Find out more here SmokeFree Hull digital resources platform
Pulse survey feedback
Get in touch
We’d love to hear from you!
The service is continuously adapting and developing, to make sure we’re providing the best service possible.
Your opinion matters to us, so please complete the pulse survey to let us know how we’re doing!