Quit Smoking Helpline in United Kingdom

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national stop-smoking helpline in the UK?

Each of the four UK nations runs its own free helpline. England's Smokefree National Helpline is 0300 123 1044, Scotland's Quit Your Way Scotland is 0800 84 84 84, and Wales's Help Me Quit is 0800 085 2219. Northern Ireland does not have a single national line but routes callers to local Stop Smoking NI providers through GP surgeries and pharmacies.

Source: NHS — Stop smoking services help you quit , NHS inform — Quit Your Way Scotland , Help Me Quit (Wales)

Is help to quit smoking free in the UK?

Yes. NHS Stop Smoking Services across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are free at the point of use. Calls to the national helplines are free. Local services typically provide free counselling and often free nicotine replacement therapy. Prescription medicines such as varenicline and bupropion are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; in England the standard NHS prescription charge applies, though NRT obtained through stop smoking services is usually free.

Source: NHS — Stop smoking services help you quit

When can I call the UK quit-smoking lines?

Hours vary by nation. Scotland's Quit Your Way Scotland (0800 84 84 84) is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with webchat in the same hours and an SMS option to text 07903 588 669. Wales's Help Me Quit (0800 085 2219) is open Monday and Wednesday 9am–8pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am–6pm, and Friday and Saturday 9am–5pm. England's Smokefree National Helpline (0300 123 1044) operates daytime hours; check the NHS website for current times.

Source: NHS inform — Quit Your Way Scotland , Help Me Quit (Wales)

What languages are supported?

The English, Scottish and Northern Irish services answer primarily in English. Help Me Quit in Wales welcomes calls and correspondence in Welsh as well as English. NHS services often arrange interpreters for other languages on request; ask when you call or speak to your GP.

Source: Help Me Quit (Wales) , NHS — Stop smoking services help you quit

Is there an NHS app to help me quit smoking?

Yes. The NHS Quit Smoking app is free on iOS and Android and is part of the NHS Better Health: Quit Smoking campaign. It tracks your progress, shows how much money you've saved, sends daily support messages and connects you to other quitters' stories. The app pairs with the Stoptober 28-day challenge that runs every October.

Source: NHS Better Health — Quit Smoking