A new regional campaign, ‘Stop Smoking, Feel Happier’, is hitting the streets to dispel a common myth about smoking as a way of relieving stress and ask what makes the South East happy.
Members of the South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) will be out and about across towns and cities throughout January to spark conversations about wellbeing, and the link between quitting smoking and feeling better.
The campaign is built on growing evidence that stopping smoking doesn’t just improve your physical health, it can also make you happier. Within weeks of quitting, people’s brains start to rebalance dopamine, a ‘happy hormone’ that smoking suppresses us creating naturally.
Smokefree Island will bring the campaign to life next Friday (23rd January) with a pop-up in St. Thomas’ Square from 10:00-15:00 and at St. Mary’s Hospital from 12:00-14:00 (outside the Full Circle Restaurant).
Residents can drop by for friendly, no-pressure guidance, motivation, the chance to have a carbon monoxide reading, and sign up for free, personalised quit support – as well as meeting their roving ‘brain’ character, designed to spark conversations about how quitting boosts mood, reduces stress and supports better mental health.
Islanders will be surveyed on what makes them happy, from simple pleasures like being outdoors, laughing with friends or blowing bubbles, to the deeper sense of calm that comes from taking care of themselves.
The activities are part of a mass media campaign funded by 18 councils in the South East of England with the goal of explaining in simple terms how quitting allows the brain to produce dopamine naturally again, helping people feel calmer, brighter and less stressed within weeks. Advertisements will be running across TV, radio, and online with positive messages for people who smoke on the benefits of quitting smoking as well as showing Island residents how to access support services available.
Kate Harvey, Director of Public Health at Isle of Wight Council, said:
“On the Isle of Wight, we care deeply about the health and happiness of our residents. This campaign is a great reminder that quitting smoking isn’t just about living longer — it’s about feeling better every day.”
“Quitting smoking is one of the most positive changes you can make for yourself and those you love. It’s not always easy, but the benefits come quickly — more energy, better mood, and less stress. We want Islanders to know that support is here for them. Our local services are ready to help anyone who wants to take that first step toward a happier, healthier future. If you’re ready to quit, Smokefree Island offers free, friendly support to make it easier — and now is the perfect time to start.”
To learn more, watch the campaign films or find free, local stop smoking support, visit www.quittogetherlivebetter.com.
For help to quit smoking, Island residents can get free, friendly support from Smokefree Island – including one-to-one sessions and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Swap to Stop vape kits or stop smoking medications. As well as support to quit smoking, the Smokefree Island service also provide quit support to people who vape or use other nicotine products, including for young people.
To join for free, text QUIT to 80011 or visit the Smokefree Island website www.smokefreeisland.co.uk.
Anyone who wishes to give up, good luck and best wishes. Anyone who wishes to smoke, good luck and best wishes. The trouble though with nudged initiatives like these is that they give people false promises, skewed and suspect can’t-be-proven information.
Dopamine levels MAY rise..or not, depending on the individual’s character or personality make up.
For me, happiness is simply the absence of UNhappiness. It’s as simple as that. Others need a certain set of circumstances in order to be happy. I’ve known some morose smokers, no less morose or unhappy after quitting. If you’re one of those people, it’s unlikely to change so don’t be disappointed.
May I suggest setting up a stall outside McDonald’s in
Newport.
In the afternoon when you walk by full of school children
Vaping and smoking.
Makes one wonder where they get the stuff from!
I thought is was illegal to Smoke or Vape at such ages,
not to mention who supplies them.
Like most things on the island
LAWLESS!
I love smoking. I have smoked between 20 and 60 cigarettes a day since i was 13 I’m now82. Never had more than a couple of colds would probably of smoked more if my benefits were higher why give up now?
Smoking itself does not make you unhappy, it does make you physically unhealthy. Mind it must have got heather since they have to go out in the fresh air to light up.Smokers are unhappy at the extortionate tax after a ship, the result of Sir Walter Raleigh’s government-sanctioned colonisation efforts introduced tobacco in the first place. Another government cock up costing billions.