Pennine GP Alliance’s Stop Smoking Service began in October 2024 and offers expert support to help individuals quit smoking and improve their health.
Through a partnership with Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale and funding from the Department of Health & Social Care Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant, the service provides a personalised approach to smoking cessation, with a focus on patients who may benefit from additional support.
The service includes a 12-week behavioural intervention that provides advice and coaching on how to quit and stay quit. The service also provides free access to Nicotine Replacement Therapies, licensed stop smoking medications and vapes through the national Swap to Stop Scheme which also includes regular, light touch check ins with a PGPA Stop Smoking Practitioner. Patients are referred to the service by General Practice health professionals, and the team works closely with local healthcare providers to ensure ongoing support and follow-up care.
Delivering the service are PGPA’s Stop Smoking Practitioners who also work alongside the service to proactively identify and contact patients who may need support to quit.
Targeted Support for Smokers
The Stop Smoking Service initially focused on helping smokers aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with asthma and anxiety or depression, a group identified in collaboration with Public Health. By offering personalised support, PGPA aims to help more individuals quit smoking, which can reduce the frequency of respiratory infections and improve long-term health outcomes. This initiative also seeks to alleviate pressure on Primary Care services and reduce the risk of future chronic conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
In the coming months the service will work with Public Health colleagues to identify patients with other health conditions who may particularly benefit from support to stop smoking.
We are now also able to provide varenicline to patients which is an exciting, new medication that has the potential to help a variety of smokers.
Meet our Stop Smoking Practitioners
Ben Hill, PGPA’s Stop Smoking Practitioner for people living in Central and North Halifax, the areas in Calderdale with the highest smoking rates.
Ben trained as a Physician’s Associate at Hull York Medical School and was excited to join the team and gain experience in the primary care environment. His expertise and enthusiasm have made a significant impact, and he has already helped numerous patients on their journey to becoming smoke-free. This has included a full 12-week behavioral intervention in addition to supporting patients with Nicotine Replacement Therapies and the Swap to Stop Scheme all of which are free of charge.
Katie Pearson is PGPA’s Stop Smoking Practitioner for people living in the Upper Calder Valley, Lower Calder Valley and Calder and Ryburn areas within Calderdale.
Katie completed an undergraduate degree in Working with Children and Young Adults at the University of Bradford, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at York St John University. She has worked in supportive roles, including as a college teacher for vulnerable learners with additional needs. Her passion for pastoral care and equal opportunities led her into Primary Care, initially as a PGPA Healthy Working Life Adviser, before progressing into her current role. She is focused on reducing health inequalities and improving the overall health of individuals and the local community.
“A Journey from Tobacco to Vape” – Patients story.
Follow the journey of Adam and Nick, who have been smoking for over 20 years and have struggled to quit on multiple occasions.
Referred to see PGPA’s Stop Smoking Practitioner Ben Hill, they are both determined to change their habits, with a goal to stop smoking altogether. Find out what they had to say and how Ben is helping them here.
Project news
Exciting Expansion of Stop Smoking Service to Boost Health and Support More Patients – April 2025
Contact the team
For further details about this service project, please email Ella Fairbrother, PGPA’s Project Manager: ella.fairbrother@nhs.net