Ferry Project has joined forces with the Smoking Cessation Partnership in the Wisbech Integrated Neighbourhood, and is already seeing impressive results.

In the UK, over 6 million adults smoke regularly. That's around 12% of the population, according to the Office for National Statistics. However, research suggests that amongst homeless people, this is as high as 78%. Data also shows levels of smoking are abnormally high in the Fenland, at 22%. Being such a prevalent issue which is disproportionately impacting both the local area and the homeless community, Ferry Project have been working with the Smoking Cessation Partnership in the Wisbech Integrated Neighbourhood and have introduced a new Smoking Cessation programme to help tackle the problem.

The scheme is aimed at anyone in the homeless or migrant worker communities (including those at risk of becoming homeless) who need help to quit smoking. It provides support tailored to the individual across a 12 week programme, during which clients will have regular face-to-face appointments as well as access to nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum.

Thanks to funding from Public Health Cambridgeshire, the programme went live back in September last year with the Ferry Project employing a Smoking Cessation Advisor. To date 250 appointments have already been held and 80% of those who have set a quit date have since moved on to becoming smoke free at the week 4 milestone.

Initially the plan was for this programme to run for a year, acting as a pilot scheme to see what impact it can make for the homeless and migrant worker communities. Due to the early success of the scheme, further funding has been obtained to help it continue until the end of March 2026.

Hopefully with continued positive results from Wisbech, this scheme can be implemented in other areas of the country where smoking is a particular problem.