is celebrating 20 years of delivering dedicated stop-smoking support through Scotland’s national cessation programme, Quit Your Way. Over the past two decades, the service has helped thousands of people across Ayrshire & Arran take meaningful steps toward becoming smoke-free.
Quit Your Way is part of Scotland’s coordinated public health approach to reducing smoking rates. Delivered locally by health boards and supported nationally by NHS Scotland, the service provides free, evidence-based support for people who want to stop smoking. This includes one-to-one behavioural counselling, group sessions, telephone support, and access to approved stop-smoking medications such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Two Decades of Local Impact
Since its introduction in the mid-2000s, Quit Your Way advisers in Ayrshire & Arran have worked within communities, GP practices, pharmacies, maternity services, and hospitals to reach smokers where they are. The programme focuses not only on quitting but also on long-term relapse prevention, recognising that tobacco dependence is both physical and psychological.
According to NHS Ayrshire & Arran, thousands of residents have set quit dates through the service, with many achieving sustained smoke-free outcomes at four weeks and beyond. Research consistently shows that people who use structured support combined with medication are significantly more likely to quit successfully compared to those attempting to stop without assistance.
Addressing Health Inequalities
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death in Scotland. It is closely linked to heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various cancers. Importantly, smoking rates are higher in areas facing socioeconomic challenges.
Quit Your Way advisers in Ayrshire & Arran have prioritised outreach in communities with the greatest need. By offering free support and removing financial barriers to cessation aids, the service helps reduce health inequalities across the region.
Specialist pathways are also available for:
- Pregnant women
- People with long-term health conditions
- Individuals experiencing mental health challenges
- Hospital inpatients
This tailored approach ensures that quitting support is accessible, inclusive, and responsive.
Evolving Support for Modern Challenges
Over the past 20 years, stop-smoking services have adapted to changing tobacco trends. The rise of e-cigarettes, dual use, and nicotine pouches has required updated guidance and counselling strategies. Quit Your Way advisers now support individuals who want to stop vaping nicotine as well as traditional tobacco smoking.
Remote options, including telephone consultations and digital support tools, were expanded significantly in recent years, making services more flexible and convenient.
Community Commitment to a Smoke-Free Future
The 20-year milestone reflects a sustained public health commitment. NHS Ayrshire & Arran continues to encourage smokers to access Quit Your Way by contacting their GP, local pharmacy, or the national helpline.
For individuals considering quitting, the message remains clear: structured support increases success rates. With compassionate advisers, free treatment options, and two decades of experience, Quit Your Way in Ayrshire & Arran remains a cornerstone of Scotland’s smoke-free ambitions.
As smoking rates gradually decline nationwide, milestones like this highlight the power of community-based support—and the ongoing work needed to create a healthier, smoke-free generation.