Stoptober
Stoptober is the NHS 28-day stop smoking challenge every October.
Countdown
82
days to go
Next date
Thursday, 1 October 2026
Stoptober 2026
Get a reminder 7 days before Stoptober
One email only. No newsletters. No account needed.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Countdown | Region / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoptober 2026 | Thursday, 1 October 2026 | In 3 months | 28-day challenge, 1-28 Oct |
| Stoptober 2027 | Friday, 1 October 2027 | In 1 year 3 months | UK |
| Stoptober 2028 | Sunday, 1 October 2028 | In 2 years 3 months | UK |
Stoptober is a Public Health England campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days during October. Research shows that stopping for 28 days makes you five times more likely to quit for good. The campaign provides free NHS support including an app, email programme, and local services. The challenge runs from 1 October, completing on 28 October.
health
Stop smoking products and nicotine replacement
Verified 8 May 2026
Questions
When is Stoptober?
It starts on 1 October each year and runs for 28 days.
Who runs Stoptober?
Public Health England and the NHS.
Is it free to join?
Yes — free support is available through the NHS Stop Smoking app and website.
Why 28 days?
Research suggests stopping for 28 days significantly increases the chance of quitting permanently.