Published on 1st October 2026
October is here — and this is YOUR month to shine! Stoptober is the national 28-day quit challenge, and research shows if you make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good.
Whether this is your first attempt or you’ve tried before — every try is brave. Every day counts. And this year, you’re not doing it alone. We’re right here with you, every step of the way. Let’s make this autumn the start of your healthier, brighter, smoke-free chapter.
Varenicline & Stop Smoking Products
You don’t have to “just go cold turkey” — we’ve got options!
Varenicline
A prescription medication that reduces cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms — making it easier to stay on track. Talk to our advisors or your GP to see if it’s right for you.
Patches
• Steady, all-day nicotine release
• Easy to apply — change daily
• Great for keeping a constant low level of nicotine in your system
Vapes
• Adjustable strength — taper down gradually
• Mimics the hand-to-mouth action
• Free starter kits available through our service where eligible
Mouth Spray
• Fast-acting — hits cravings in minutes
• Discreet, easy to carry
• Perfect for sudden, sharp urges
Chewing Gums
• Different strengths available
• Great for on-the-go
• Helps keep your mouth busy when cravings strike
And much more!
Lozenges, nasal sprays, and combination plans — we tailor it to YOU. Our advisors will find exactly what works for your lifestyle. All free through our service! Find out more about the different stop smoking products.
Contact us to book your session — let’s find your perfect match
Autumn wellness tips
Success story
Read Suzanne's story:
"I have smoked for 39 years since I was 13, and I never thought that I could give up. I envisaged breathing through the support of an oxygen tank and still lighting up. It was such a huge part of my everyday life.
With the support of Change Grow Live SmokeFree Bromley team I am now on my fifth week without smoking or using nicotine!
I have used varenicline daily which is a medication that helps to block nicotine cravings - and it does exactly that. There are still emotional cravings, but without the physical cravings these become more manageable.
Throughout this I have received support from Ellie in the SmokeFree team and from the local pharmacy that Change Grow Live partners with. Along with the medication the support helps give you something realistic to aim for.
I have noticed that I can walk longer and my blood pressure has dropped. I'm now in optimum range.
Thanks for the support!"
Myth Busting Corner
Need support? Contact the SmokeFree Bromley team to find out about free stop smoking support, nicotine replacement therapy, and whether varenicline could be suitable for you.
Healthy Autumn Recipe: Happy fish pie
Ingredients:
- 1kg potatoes
- 1 large head of broccoli (480g)
- optional: 3 large free-range eggs
- 3 leeks (480g)
- olive oil
- 2 heaped tablespoons plain flour
- 2 teaspoons of your favourite mustard
- 600ml semi-skimmed milk
- 800g mixed frozen fish chunks, from sustainable sources
- 75g Cheddar cheese
- 1 bunch of chives (20g)
- 1 lemon
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Peel the potatoes, halving any larger ones, then cook in a pan of boiling salted water for 20 minutes, or until tender. Trim, finely chop and reserve the broccoli stalk. Chop the head into florets and add to the pan with the eggs, if using, for the last 7 minutes. Cool the eggs under cold running water. Drain the potatoes and broccoli and steam dry.
Meanwhile, trim the leeks, halve lengthways, then wash and finely slice. Place in a large shallow casserole pan on a medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped broccoli stalk. Cook for 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring regularly. Stir in the flour and mustard, then gradually stir in the milk. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then season to perfection.
Add the fish chunks and simmer for another 5 minutes, then grate in most of the cheese. Finely chop the chives and fold in most of them. Peel, halve and dot in the eggs, if using, and finely grate over the lemon zest.
- Mash the potato and broccoli – rustic or smooth, the choice is yours. Season to perfection, then spoon over the dish, fork up the top for added texture, grate over the last bit of cheese and spritz with oil. Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle over the remaining chives, and serve with lemon wedges.
Easy and Light Autumn exercises:
No gym needed – gentle movement is best!
Leaf-picking walks — 20–30 mins daily; brisk pace
Stretching at home — 10 mins morning & night; eases tension
Park laps — Crystal Palace Park, Bromley Common — fresh air = clearer mind
Dancing at home — put your favourite songs on for 15 mins
Chair yoga — search for “10% no-impact” sessions online
Aim for 30 mins most days — it boosts mood, reduces cravings, and helps you sleep better. Start small. Build gently.
Meet the team - Annette
Annette — Service Manager
“Hello everyone! I’m Annette, and I lead our incredible SmokeFree Bromley team. We’re all here because we truly believe you can do this. I’ve seen people change their lives — and I want that for you too. We don’t judge, we don’t rush, and we never give up on you. Whatever you need — more time, more support, a different approach — just tell us. We’ll keep showing up until you’re there.”
What do you do to relax in spare time?
Go to the Theatre
If you could only have one last meal, what would it be?
Beef Wellington, Potato Dauphinoise, Lots of Green Veg
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Feel – Robbie Williams
What job did you want when you were younger?
A Special Needs Teacher
What is your favourite colour and why?
Blue – it reminds me of the sea and the sky
If you could pick up a new skill or hobby in an instant, what would it be?
Making jewellery
What is the best part of your job role?
Helping people recognise their potential and then seeing the smiles from doing so
What is the best story you’ve heard from a client?
"I know I can give up smoking; I have done it many times before!"
October isn’t just a month — it’s your fresh start.
The leaves change. The air clears. And so can you. This Stoptober isn’t about being perfect — it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. It’s about knowing that every single day without a cigarette is a victory worth celebrating.
You deserve to breathe easier. You deserve to feel proud. You deserve the money you’ll save, the extra time you’ll have with your loved ones, and the brighter, lighter version of yourself waiting on the other side 💜
We’re in your corner. We’re cheering you on. And when October ends — we’ll still be right here.
Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoyed the Stoptober newsletter, let us know what you think and feel free to follow us on Facebook.