By Isle of Wight Observer
A new initiative is encouraging Islanders who smoke to rethink the link between cigarettes and stress, as the ‘Stop Smoking, Feel Happier’ campaign launches on the Island later this week.
Research shows that within weeks of stopping smoking, the brain begins to rebalance dopamine – the “happy hormone” that nicotine disrupts – helping people feel calmer, brighter and less stressed.
Smokefree Island will host two pop‑up events on Friday (January 23), offering friendly, no‑pressure advice, carbon monoxide readings and the chance to sign up for free personalised quit support. The sessions will run from 10am to 3pm in St Thomas’ Square and 12pm to 2pm at St Mary’s Hospital (outside the Full Circle Restaurant). A roving ‘brain’ character will also be on hand to start conversations about how quitting boosts mental wellbeing.
Islanders will be asked what makes them happy – from simple outdoor pleasures to the sense of calm that comes from looking after themselves.
More than 846,000 adults in the South East region still smoke, contributing to preventable deaths and widening health inequalities, particularly among people with mental health challenges and those in manual jobs.
Dr Sarah Milne, lead of the South East Smokefree Alliance, said nicotine “tricks your brain into thinking you need it to feel calm”, adding that quitting allows the brain to heal and mood to lift naturally.
Kate Harvey, director of public health at the Isle of Wight Council, said the campaign was a reminder that quitting smoking “isn’t just about living longer – it’s about feeling better every day”.
Islanders that smoke or vape can access free one‑to‑one support, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Swap to Stop vape kits and stop‑smoking medications through iw.observer/smokefree-island. To join for free, text QUIT to 80011.
Isle of Wight Observer