Barnsley smoking rates fall to record low as community effort drives quit success
Barnsley has recorded its lowest smoking prevalence since current records began, with the proportion of adults who smoke falling from 14.1% last year to 12.5% this year, according to the latest NHS England figures.
The reduction places Barnsley as the second lowest smoking prevalence area in South Yorkshire and marks another year of steady progress toward the borough’s ambition to reduce smoking prevalence to under 5% by 2030.
The year on year drop reflects coordinated activity across local partners aiming to make quitting easier. Barnsley’s Yorkshire Smokefree service, Barnsley Council, Barnsley Hospital, and other local organisations have worked together to promote stop smoking support and expand access to treatments. This partnership approach has helped more residents successfully quit.
Amanda Longdon, service manager at Yorkshire Smokefree in Barnsley, said: “Seeing smoking levels fall to their lowest recorded point is a real boost for public health in Barnsley. This progress is the result of local services working closely with people who want to quit, offering practical support and treatment when it’s needed. We know quitting is hard, but we also know that with the right help, many more people can stop for good and that will save lives and improve health across our borough.”
Barnsley’s approach combines free stop smoking services, behavioural support, and community outreach. We are committed to maintaining and expanding services that have proven effective, ensuring quitting support is available in primary care, hospitals, and community settings.
Local organisations are increasing awareness to residents who smoke to take advantage of the support available. Those interested can contact our friendly stop smoking advisors at Yorkshire Smokefree in Barnsley for free, confidential support, including one to one support, group sessions and access to stop smoking medications.
Our service offers a wide range of support to help you on your quit journey, so if you’ve been thinking about quitting book a call back or call 0800 612 0011 from a landline or 0330 660 1166 from a mobile.
