As Quit Your Way reaches its 20‑year milestone, NHS Ayrshire & Arran is celebrating two decades of helping thousands of people stop smoking and make long‑lasting improvements to their health and wellbeing.
Launched in 2006 as Fresh Air‑shire and later renamed Quit Your Way, the service has supported more than 15,400 people in Ayrshire and Arran remain smoke-free at 12-weeks.
Ten years after first contacting the service, local resident Christopher Millar reflected on the turning point that inspired him to quit smoking for good, “Smoking was affecting my wellbeing and I knew I needed to make a change, not just for myself, but for my family. I wanted to prove that I could break free from the habit and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
“Being smoke‑free has improved my physical health, mental clarity, and overall quality of life. I feel more energetic, more confident, and proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Christopher added, “The support I received was personal, non‑judgmental, and tailored to my lifestyle and work commitments – it’s about gaining control, feeling supported, and making a lasting change. The Quit Your Way team, and my local pharmacy, were always available, especially during the tough moments. Their encouragement and flexibility made all the difference. I’m incredibly grateful for their help.”
Stopping smoking remains one of the most effective ways to improve health, lowering the risk of long‑term illness and contributing to healthier communities. Recent ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Scotland data highlights the continued impact of the Quit Your Way service. In 2024/25:
- 2,102 people started a quit attempt
- 807 people were still smoke‑free at 12 weeks
As Quit Your Way Ayrshire & Arran celebrates 20 years, the team remains focused on the future, strengthening its commitment to reducing tobacco‑related harm, widening support for young people, and ensuring services remain flexible, person‑centred, and responsive to local needs.
Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Officer Karon Maxwell said, “I’d love to see smoking rates continue to fall, especially among young people, so that we see fewer lives being affected by tobacco harm.
“It’s important that the Quit Your Way service continues to evolve, from expanding digital tools to strengthening community partnerships, and making quitting as accessible and appealing as possible.”
Quit Your Way offers a range of free support options, including face‑to‑face and telephone appointments, drop‑in sessions and video consultations. This all plays a vital role in ensuring people across Ayrshire and Arran have access to free, local, and specialist stop‑smoking support.
Thinking about stopping smoking or vaping?
If you’re thinking about stopping smoking or vaping, visit: www.nhsaaa.net/services/services-a-z/better-health/smoking/stopping-smoking/ for free, local support from Quit Your Way Ayrshire & Arran.