Toolkit: London Smoking and Mental Health Week 2025

Updated 29th May 2025

London Smoking and Mental Health Week will run from 2–6 June 2025, shining a light on the high rates of smoking among people with mental health conditions and encouraging collaboration across the health and care sector to support people to quit.

This new awareness week has been developed by London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London in partnership with local organisations across London.

It’s designed to help more people understand the link between smoking and mental health, highlight the support available and drive positive change.

Why this campaign matters

Smoking rates among people with a mental health condition remain far higher than in the general population. In London, an estimated:

• 26% of adults experiencing stress and anxiety smoke
• 45% of adults with a serious mental illness smoke

People with mental health conditions are also more likely to be heavily nicotine dependent, which puts them at greater risk of smoking-related harm. Many report using tobacco as a way to manage stress – but evidence shows the calming effect of nicotine is temporary and over time, smoking can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This campaign aims to:

• Raise awareness of the impact of smoking on mental health
• Make it easier for people with mental health conditions to find quit support
• Challenge common myths about smoking and stress
• Highlight the mental health benefits of quitting
• Encourage dialogue among healthcare professionals

Campaign timeline and themes

The week will follow a daily theme to focus attention and drive engagement:

• Monday 2 June – Campaign launch and overview
• Tuesday 3 June – Sharing lived experience
• Wednesday 4 June – Accessing support to quit
• Thursday 5 June – Smoking and stress
• Friday 6 June – Taking local action

Get involved: Download the campaign toolkit

The toolkit includes:

• Downloadable social media graphics and suggested posts
• Campaign briefing and key messages

Download the toolkit and assets

New video content

Videos featuring a smoking cessation nurse, a leading mental health clinician, and a woman with lived experience of quitting will be published in the week leading up to the campaign. These are hosted on the Stop Smoking London YouTube channel for you to share on social media

New website content

To make it easier to find support, Stop Smoking London has launched a new page dedicated to smoking and mental health. This includes key facts, links to support, and downloadable campaign materials – with more content coming soon.

Join the conversation

Share the assets and messaging across your social media channels. Use and follow the hashtag #LDNSmoking&MH across social media to join the conversation.

Follow us:

Find Stop Smoking London on Facebook and on our new London Tobacco Alliance Bluesky profile

If you have any questions or would like support with using the materials, please contact us.