As the nationwide ban on disposable vapes takes effect from 1 June, Kenvue, the makers of NICORETTE, has announced a powerful new initiative: the “Stopping Starts Here” pilot programme.

Rolled out in ten Boots stores across Manchester, this regional programme is designed to support smokers and vapers who are ready to quit, with structured plans, expert advice, and personalised support.

New research reveals that 58% of Manchester vapers plan to quit this June, highlighting a unique opportunity for intervention. Yet, many of these individuals (75%) have attempted to quit in the past using willpower alone, a method associated with high relapse rates. Evidence suggests that people who quit with support are three times more likely to succeed than those who try to do it alone.

Recognising this, Kenvue is partnering with Boots to provide free, face-to-face guidance and tools, making quitting more accessible for Manchester residents.

A Boots pharmacist hands a customer a Boots carrier bag with their quit support items inside.

placeholder image — A Boots pharmacist hands a customer a Boots carrier bag with their quit support items inside.

Starting this June, selected Boots stores across Manchester will provide:

12-Week Quit Plan: A structured plan to guide individuals through the quitting journey
Expert Advice: Professional recommendations on products and strategies for stopping smoking or vaping
Customer Support: One-to-one sessions to ensure a personalised and effective quitting experience

Boots pharmacists and pharmacy team members in participating stores have received additional training to better support quitters with tailored advice and expertise.

This initiative complements broader regional efforts to reduce smoking and vaping, aligning with Manchester’s ambition to become a smoke-free city region. With around 317,000 smokers in Manchester and a smoking rate of 12.5 percent, well above the government's target of 5 percent, the campaign aims to make a meaningful impact.

By embedding support directly in Boots stores, the initiative offers a more convenient and approachable route for people who might not otherwise seek formal stop smoking or vaping cessation services.

Bas Vorsteveld, Area Managing Director, Northern Europe at Kenvue, said: “Quitting smoking and vaping is incredibly tough, especially when people try to go it alone. With information, support, and access to effective products like our Nicorette range, people can have a better chance of breaking the habit for good, rather than using willpower alone. Manchester residents are clearly motivated to quit, and there’s impressive work already happening in the region. That’s why we’re working with Boots to help them to provide support, expert advice and product knowledge right on the high street for those who may need a helping hand to help them to quit successfully.”

Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, added:

“Going smoke free is a huge achievement, but one that comes with real challenges. As the UK’s leading health, wellness and beauty retailer, we want to provide people with as much help as possible. That is why we are excited to partner with Kenvue to further equip our pharmacists in Manchester with the skills to support patients at every stage of their journey.”

Boots now stocks the full range of NICORETTE products, such as QuickMist Mouthspray, Gum, Cools Lozenges, and InvisiPatch, which can be used for both nicotine vaping and smoking cessation.

If you’re prepared to take the next step, quit smoking and vaping products are available at any Boots store. To get started with the “Stopping Starts Here” support, visit a participating Boots store in Manchester this June.