This report explores the experiences of people in accessing support to stop smoking and highlights awareness of available services, barriers to quitting, and what people believe would help them quit successfully.
The findings show that awareness of stop smoking support is relatively low. Around half of survey respondents were aware of Smokefree Norfolk and GP-based support, while awareness of other services was lower, suggesting that lack of awareness may prevent people from seeking help.
Experiences of accessing smoking cessation services were mixed. Positive experiences were associated with ongoing support, regular contact with advisors, and access to nicotine replacement therapy or medication. However, many participants reported challenges, including long waiting times, limited face-to-face support, and restricted treatment options.
Barriers to quitting included fear of stopping, reliance on smoking as a coping mechanism, limited appointment availability, and support ending too soon. Motivations to quit included improving health, protecting family members, and saving money.
Many participants called for more personalised, holistic approaches that address underlying issues such as stress and mental health, alongside nicotine addiction.
Based on our findings we have made a number of recommendations, including improving access and consistency of support across Norfolk, improving the ability to re-engage with services following relapse, and expanding and diversifying models of support, including holistic approaches.
