Over 1,000 residents referred to stop smoking support as lung screening programme delivers life-changing results
Over 1,000 residents have been referred to the Council’s Stop Smoking service via the national Lung Cancer Screening Programme.
The screening programme, locally provided by Alliance Medical in partnership with Xyla Healthcare and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, offers a lung health check to adults aged 55-74 with a history of smoking and helps residents access advice and support to improve their health and reduce future health risks, including stopping smoking.
Since the mobile screening checks began in Spring 2026, the programme has generated:
- 1,091 stop smoking referrals through the Lung Cancer Screening Programme
- 543 individuals who have booked a stop smoking appointment
- 156 people who have achieved a 4-week quit
- 90 people who have achieved a 12-week quit
Remarkably, the majority of those reaching the 12-week milestone had been smoking for 40 years or more - proof that with the right support, it is never too late to quit for good.
One resident, who had smoked since the age of six and had tried patches, gum, hypnosis and acupuncture over the decades, was encouraged to seek support after a scan at the mobile screening unit picked up early signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and narrowing of the veins around the heart.
Describing the course as the push he needed, he said the hardest part was simply starting, and credited the Healthy Lifestyle Team, alongside the quiet, non-nagging support of his wife and two adult sons, with helping him succeed.
Since quitting, he’s noticed he no longer smells of smoke, has stopped snoring, and are around £200 better off - benefits that spurred them on as much as the health warnings themselves. He now encourages anyone offered the chance to stop smoking to take it, saying, “I hope others find the same success I did.”
Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All, said: "These figures speak for themselves, but it's the stories behind them that really matter.
“To see so many residents - many of whom had smoked for decades - take that first step and go on to quit for good is testament to the incredible work of our Healthy Lifestyle Team and our NHS partners.
“Quitting smoking is one of the single best things anyone can do for their health, and this programme is proving that it's never too late to make that change, with the right support in place."
The Lung Cancer Screening Programme continues to run across Telford and Wrekin in partnership with NHS teams, offering eligible residents the chance to have a lung health check and, where appropriate, a referral to free, friendly stop smoking support.
Anyone wanting to quit smoking - whether they've been referred through a screening check or not - can access free support through the Council's Healthy Lifestyle Team.
Find out more and get support at telford.gov.uk/stopsmoking