Wandsworth’s Smoking Rates Among Lowest in Country
Council aims for further reduction during Stoptober
Throughout October, Stop Smoking Advisors will be available at various locations across the borough. Picture: Wandsworth Council
October 7, 2025
Wandsworth Council says that it is marking significant progress in its efforts to reduce smoking across the borough, celebrating one of the lowest smoking rates in England. The announcement coincides with the launch of Stoptober, a national campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days during October.
According to the Council’s recent report, Everybody Did It Then, approximately one in eight adults in Wandsworth still smoke—around 20,000 residents—but the borough continues to lead nationally in reducing smoking prevalence. The report explores how smoking behaviours begin, why they persist, and what interventions are most effective in helping people quit.
Between 2019 and 2023, 3,851 residents accessed the Wandsworth Stop Smoking Service, with 57 per cent successfully quitting—well above the national average. The service offers tailored support, free nicotine replacement therapies, and initiatives such as the Swap to Stop programme, which have proven particularly effective.
One participant described the impact of personalised support: “Having someone there who was checking in on you was a great help. The weekly phone calls gave me the boost I needed to keep going.”
Despite the progress, smoking continues to have a significant impact on public health and local resources. Each year, it contributes to over 500 deaths and 1,200 hospital admissions in Wandsworth, with an estimated financial cost of £211 million across healthcare, social care, lost productivity, and environmental waste. Cigarette litter alone amounts to 13 tonnes annually, with five tonnes ending up on the borough’s streets.
The Council’s strategy includes targeted support for groups with higher smoking rates, such as individuals living with mental health conditions and those who smoke during pregnancy. Prevention efforts are also being strengthened, particularly in response to rising youth vaping rates. Schools, families, and health professionals are being engaged to help prevent young people from starting smoking or vaping.
Wandsworth’s success is attributed to strong partnerships between the Council, NHS services, local GPs and pharmacies, community organisations, and residents.
Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Safety, said, “Everybody used to smoke, but now we have the chance to make smoking a thing of the past in Wandsworth. Through strong partnerships, innovative services and the resilience of our residents, we are closer than ever to a future where smoking is obsolete.”
Shannon Katiyo, Director of Public Health for Wandsworth, added, “Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. This report shows the progress we’ve made, but also the challenges ahead. We will continue working with our NHS and community partners to make sure everyone who wants to quit gets the support they need.”
Wandsworth Council remains committed to becoming a smokefree borough by 2030. The report concludes: “Everybody did it then, but now a smokefree future is within reach.”
Throughout October, Stop Smoking Advisors will be available at various locations across the borough:
- Town Hall Customer Service Reception: Drop-in every Monday, 10am–3pm
- Stalls with St George’s NHS Trust and Springfield Hospital
Health Bus Schedule:
- Thursday 16 October, 11am–5pm : St Joseph’s Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, SW15 4LE
- Friday 17 October, 10am–4pm : Latchmere Leisure Centre, Burns Road, SW11 5AD
- Saturday 18 October, 9am–3pm : Tooting Market, 21–23 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN
- Saturday 25 October, 9am–3pm : Sainsbury’s Car Park, 147–151 Balham High Road, SW12 9AU
Residents can access support by:
- Visiting the Wandsworth Stop Smoking Service
- Completing the online contact form
- Calling the free 24/7 advice line on 0800 011 4558
- Emailing StopSmokingteam@wandsworth.gov.uk
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