Smoking scheme extended after first year success

The government-backed scheme started in Wolverhampton in 2024

A smoking programme which helped 135 people quit in its first year in a city has been extended for 12 months.

Swap to Stop in Wolverhampton provides free vaping kits and support around smoker's behaviour to help them give up the habit.

Launched by the City of Wolverhampton Council in 2024, the programme ran over a 12-week period with weekly check-in sessions at community venues.

The scheme is supported by the government as part of ministers' commitment to make the country smoke-free by 2030.

Among the sites used for the programme were the city's eight family hubs and Central and Warstones libraries.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed said: "Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is also one of the most effective tools for quitting."

He said it was "fantastic" that 135 people were helped by the scheme.