This No Smoking Day 2026, we are encouraging the estimated 260,000 people in Wales who smoke to consider taking the first step towards quitting. Support is available across the country, and thousands of people successfully stop smoking every year with the right help.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and early death in Wales, contributing to serious conditions including lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.
No Smoking Day is a national moment to raise awareness about the benefits of quitting and to remind people that free stop smoking support is available through NHS Wales’ Help Me Quit service.
Smoking and health inequality in Wales
Smoking does not affect every community equally.
Our ASH Wales Annual Adult Population Survey shows a clear link between smoking and inequality across Wales. Around 8% of homeowners smoke, compared with 18% of private renters, rising to 30% among people living in social housing.
These figures highlight how tobacco harm continues to fall most heavily on disadvantaged communities.
Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said:
“Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and early death in Wales. It contributes to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness, burdening individuals, families, and our health service.
“As smoking rates are highest in the most underserved communities, it is also widening health inequality across Wales. While smoking rates are declining, there is still much more to do.
“Quitting smoking brings immediate and long-term health benefits, and free specialist support is available through NHS Help Me Quit. I would encourage anyone thinking about stopping to take that first step.”
How Wales is marking No Smoking Day
Across Wales, organisations are marking No Smoking Day 2026 with awareness events, displays and community engagement activities.
To support these conversations, we distributed more than 1,400 No Smoking Day campaign packs to:
• GP surgeries
• Pharmacies
• Dental practices
• Health clinics
Schools, youth services, housing organisations and community partners are also sharing campaign messages and encouraging people to access support through Help Me Quit Wales.
Voices of Wales: real stories of quitting smoking
As part of our Voices of Wales campaign, we are sharing real stories from people who have stopped smoking and experienced the benefits of quitting.
Tiffany’s story
Tiffany, a nursing assistant from Cardiff, began smoking at the age of 11. After experiencing a health scare, she decided it was time to quit. Since stopping smoking, she says her breathing has improved dramatically and she feels more energetic.
“It’s never too late to quit. Smoking was taking years off me. Quitting is giving me time back.”
You can read Tiffany’s story here
John and Tina’s story
In Newport, John and Tina decided to quit after realising they had smoked almost 200 cigarettes between them in a single day following a family celebration. Since stopping smoking, John has taken up running and is now training for the Snowdonia Marathon, and Tina volunteers with Junior Parkrun while gradually reducing her nicotine use.
Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive at ASH Wales Cymru, said:
“Around 260,000 people in Wales still smoke. That is 260,000 opportunities to improve health, prevent disease, and support people to live longer, healthier lives.
“At ASH Wales, we know most people who smoke want to quit. With the right support, they are far more likely to succeed. Ensuring that support remains visible and accessible across Wales is vital.
“No Smoking Day is a chance for anyone thinking about quitting to take that first step. With free support available across Wales, no one has to do it alone.”
Support to quit smoking in Wales
Free support is available across Wales for anyone who wants to stop smoking.
The NHS Wales Help Me Quit service offers specialist advice and support to help people plan a quit attempt and stay smoke free.
You can access support in several ways:
Visit:
helpmequit.wales
Call:
0800 085 2219
Try the new Help Me Quit app
A new Help Me Quit app has launched to give people in Wales flexible digital support to quit smoking.
The free app provides personalised tools, motivation and guidance to help people manage cravings, track progress and stay focused on their goal. It is available in both Welsh and English and can connect users directly with Help Me Quit services if they would like additional support.
The app includes features such as:
• Personalised quit planning
• Craving support and practical tips
• Progress and savings trackers
• 24 hour digital support and motivation
It is free to download and available from the Apple App Store
