St John’s Beacon will be illuminated and transformed into a visual display, reinforcing the health benefits of stopping smoking and inspiring positive change across the city.

The Beacon will feature an animated image of a burning cigarette that gradually disappears, unveiling a series of powerful health messages symbolising the journey to a smoke-free life.

In Liverpool, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness. Two in three smokers will lose their lives to a smoking-related illness, while many more suffer from serious conditions such as heart disease, strokes, cancer, dementia, and lung disease.

Smoking is also the biggest driver of health inequalities across the city.

Alongside the illumination of St John’s Beacon, a drop-in event at St John’s Shopping Centre will welcome anyone seeking support to quit smoking. Representatives from Healthwatch will be on hand to provide stop smoking resources, advice, and signpost people to the help available. This event is part of a broader effort to foster collaboration across local organisations, ensuring that everyone who wants to quit has access to the right support.

This impactful showcase, in collaboration with health and business partners across Cheshire and Merseyside, aims to encourage people to take their first steps towards a healthier future. As part of this effort, we are working closely with partners, including Smokefree Liverpool, which provides a local service to support those looking to quit smoking.

• Ready to start your quit journey? Text QUIT1 to 61825, call 0151 3742535, or visit www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk for more information.
• Visit www.smokingendshere.com, which offers information, support, and direct links to local stop smoking services.

Reaction

Susan Howard quit smoking with the support of Smokefree Liverpool and has never looked back. Susan said:

“My message to anyone thinking a of quitting is to get in touch with Smokefree Liverpool, the support they give you is invaluable. My health is better, and I have saved a lot of money.

“I contacted Smokefree last March and spoke to a helpful woman called Ginny who was none judgemental and supportive. We agreed a support plan. She arranged for nicotine patches and lozenges which I got for free from my local pharmacy.

“I now have a much more positive view about smoking, I see myself as a nonsmoker and am extremely grateful to the support. As Ginny said to me never give up giving up.

“I will raise a glass to Smokefree on 20th March as I celebrate a year off the fags.”

Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health and Culture, said:

“Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, and No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to take that first step.

“By ensuring accessible support and making bold statements, we aim to inspire people to quit and remind them that help is always available on their journey to a healthier life.”

Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, added:

“Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable ill health and premature death in Liverpool.

“By working closely with partners, we aim to ensure that anyone in Liverpool who wants to quit smoking knows where to access the right support, making their journey to a smoke-free life easier and more successful.”