Richmond-upon-Thames has achieved the second-lowest smoking rate in England (5.3%) largely through its effective “Swap to Stop” scheme. By providing free vape starter kits and behavioral support to adult smokers, the council has successfully engaged residents, achieving a 58% quit rate among participants. The program emphasizes vaping as a key harm-reduction tool.
Key Takeaways:
- Record Low: Smoking prevalence in Richmond has dropped to just 5.3%.
- High Success Rate: 58% of residents using the service successfully quit smoking.
- Harm Reduction: Vaping is endorsed as a significantly less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
- Financial Savings: Quitting can save residents approximately £3,500 annually.
The “Swap to Stop” scheme refers to a government-backed initiative designed to help adult smokers quit by swapping cigarettes for vapes, combined with professional behavioral support. Richmond Council’s implementation of this program has been instrumental in driving down local smoking rates to near “smokefree” levels.
Success Through Vaping and Support
Richmond’s strategy centers on the full endorsement of vaping as a harm-reduction tool for adults. The council highlights that while cigarettes contain around 7,000 chemicals, many toxic, switching to vaping significantly reduces health risks.
Since 2024, the borough has provided free e-cigarette starter kits to smokers aged 18+ who might otherwise struggle to afford them. This practical aid is paired with one-to-one support from trained advisors, a combination that has proven highly effective.
| Metric | Richmond Data | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking Rate | 5.3% | 2nd lowest local authority in England. |
| Quit Success Rate | 58% | Well above the London average. |
| Residents Helped | 178+ (past year) | Over 600 since 2019. |
Targeting Hard-to-Reach Groups
Despite the overall success, the council recognizes that smoking remains concentrated in specific demographics. Residents in routine or manual jobs and those experiencing mental illness are currently less likely to access support or quit successfully.
Conversely, older residents (60+) have shown higher engagement. To address these disparities, Richmond plans to refocus efforts in the coming year:
- Targeted Outreach: Specific programs for individuals with mental health needs.
- Digital Engagement: Increased use of social media to connect with younger smokers.
With the national “smokefree” target defined as 5% prevalence by 2030, Richmond is on the cusp of achieving this goal years ahead of schedule, demonstrating the efficacy of combining accessible vaping products with expert support.
- Richmond Council also took part in the ‘Stoptober’ nationwide campaign last year.
