Healthy habits start here: cut back on alcohol and quit smoking

Edition: March 2026

Healthy habits start here: cut back on alcohol and quit smoking

Stop Smoking image

Two of the most impactful steps are quitting smoking and reducing alcohol, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Stop smoking, feel better

Quitting smoking improves both physical and mental health. While many believe smoking relieves stress, research shows it actually increases anxiety and depression. When you quit, your brain rebalances dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone, helping you feel calmer and more in control.

Support to quit

With the right help, you’re up to three times more likely to quit for good. Horsham Wellbeing offers free, confidential support from trained Stop Smoking Advisors, including:

  • Weekly appointments at locations across the District, we can also deliver some over the phone, or via video call if that works better for you. You can quit with a buddy and have appointments together for extra support.
  • Evidence-based support including use of our instant monitoring device to see the chemicals from smoking decrease week by week!
  • Quit aids such as free vapes, patches, gum, and lozenges to ease cravings during your journey.
Stop drinking alcohol image

Alcohol and stress

Alcohol may also feel like stress relief, but drinking large amounts regularly disrupts sleep, affects brain chemistry, and harms mental health over time. Cutting back improves mood, quality of sleep, and reduces serious health risks.

Support to cut back

Our Alcohol Advisors help you set realistic goals and stick to them. Whether you want to drink less or take a break, we’ll support you to create a plan that works for you, with practical tips and resources to stay motivated, including:

Wellbeing advisor
  • Regular sessions: decide with your Advisor how frequently you would like to meet, for up to 8 sessions.
  • Support that fits your schedule: appointments can be delivered in person, over the phone, or via video call.
  • Resources: access to a range of tools, including drinks diaries, measurers, info booklets, apps, and more.

Both services are completely free, confidential, and tailored to you.

Your next step

Ready to quit smoking, reduce alcohol, or tackle both? Our Advisors are here to help you succeed. You can self-refer by calling 01403 215111, emailing info@ horshamdistrictwellbeing.org.uk or dropping into our hub in Swan Walk, Horsham.

Read the latest edition

You may also like

Morris dancers

Our showcase of services

Last year, we proudly hosted our first Winter Warm Up events – free activity taster days designed for residents aged 50 and over.

Horsham District Council lion logo

Contact us online

Make our website your first place to find useful information, make payments, submit a report or make an application, and more.