Articles

Coffee Break: How smoking can increase your risk of osteoperosis

Smoking can affect our bone health and studies have shown that tobacco use can decrease bone density and lead to osteoperosis.

Coffee Break May: Mental Health Awareness Week 12-18th May 2025

Recent research indicates that our mental health in the UK is declining, with people experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, stress and suicidal thoughts. Of course, our experience in the lockdown period contributed to this for some people. Mental Health Awareness Week raises awareness, helps people reach out for support, and with this year’s theme being “Community” it helps foster a strong feeling of coming together to help people feel less alone.

Sheffield Clinic Update - Closure of Moor Market Clinic

We are making a change to how we deliver our stop smoking services. So that we can focus on delivering support locally across Sheffield, we have made the difficult decision to close the Smokefree Sheffield clinic at the Moor Market from 31st March 2025.

Coffee Break April: Stress Awareness Month

I wrote this coffee break with Stress Awareness Month in mind and wrote it as a song about trying, even when we may not feel our best selves. We can still achieve things when our goals may seem out of reach. Today can still be the day to go for it and quit smoking! For me, writing is good for my mental health and one of the ways I support myself if I am feeling a little in the dark and need to shine a little light of hope for me and others. Singing can also be a stress buster; you don’t have to be a soprano or baritone or in a choir to sing. Singing lowers cortisol and relieves stress and tension. Studies have shown that when people sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain which in turn lowers stress and anxiety levels so instead of reading it, why don’t you try singing it to whatever tune you like! I gave it a go too.

Carrie at Yorkshire Smoke Free Wakefield.

Coffee Break March: A Poem for National No Smoking Day

When you were younger, many years ago
Without a care in the world, going with the flow
Your peers would tell you, “Go on have a fag
Don’t be shy, we’re all having a drag”.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community in quitting smoking

At Yorkshire Smokfree, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of all individuals, and we want ot shine a light on some important health differences within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly concerning smoking rates.

Stand with Youth: Celebrate World No Tobacco Day with Yorkshire Smokefree

This World No Tobacco Day, let’s celebrate the power of youth and the collective effort to secure a healthier, tobacco-free future. By standing together, we can protect our young people and create lasting change. Join us in this vital movement and make a difference today.

Smoking and Dementia: A Call to Action During Dementia Awareness Week

Research has consistently shown that smoking increases the risk of developing dementia later in life. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage blood vessels and lead to the accumulation of harmful deposits in the brain, contributing to cognitive decline.