The All Together Smokefree (ATSF) programme is now well underway, following the first board meeting on 1st Oct. Not only was this the first day of this year’s Stoptober campaign, but the ONS also released new data on smoking prevalence, which provided context and inspiration for the meeting.
The data showed that 11.6% of adults in England currently smoke, a reduction from 12.7% in 2022 and continuing the general downward trend. In Cheshire and Merseyside the figures was 10.4%, below the England average and the North West. Regions like the North East and Greater Manchester, with robust, long-standing tobacco control programmes, saw even larger reductions.
Regionally, the North East now has the second lowest rate of smoking in the country, down from the highest decade ago, which is testament to the hard hitting campaigns led by Fresh in the region. This is a promising backdrop as we embark on our smokefree programme.
During the meeting, the board received a recap on the strategic aims and ambitions of the ATSF programme, namely to end smoking, everywhere, for everyone. Key actions included reviewing and agreeing terms of reference for the group, as well as the ATSF stop smoking system position statement. The ATSF dashboard was presented to the group, and there was also a discussion around the role of the board as a Smokefree Action Coalition Partner.
The board meeting included an update presentation on progress so far, including putting strong governance and key structures in place, developing a strategic framework and implementation plan, beginning commissioning and making in-roads into advocacy work.
Advocacy efforts around the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and behaviour change campaigns are top priorities, especially targeting the Core20PLUS5 populations. Initiatives include the NHS Tobacco Dependency Programme, Swap to Stop, and the National Smokefree Pregnancy Incentive Scheme.