Goodmayes Hospital has unveiled new ‘Proud to be Smokefree’ signs, created in collaboration with service users at North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT).

The creative signage, designed by NELFT’s Professional Lead for Peer Support Workers, Faith Amasowomwan, replaces traditional no-smoking notices with a kinder, more positive message that underscores NELFT’s commitment to patient wellbeing and recovery. 

This year-long project drew directly on patient voices and staff insights to ensure the campaign resonates. 

Jenny Houlihan, Tobacco Dependence Lead at NELFT, said: 

“So proud of a piece of work that has taken over a year to bring to life! At NELFT, we wanted to understand the message patients would want to see in a smokefree environment. The result is ‘Proud to be Smokefree’—a powerful campaign co-produced by patients and staff, reflecting real voices and lived experiences.” 

Evidence shows that once people have got past the short-term withdrawal stage of quitting, they have reduced anxiety, depression and stress and increased positive mood compared with people who continue to smoke. 

For symptoms of anxiety and depression, stopping smoking is as effective as taking antidepressants. Just six weeks after quitting, people start feeling happier as well as healthier. 

To find out more about our stop-smoking support services, visit: https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/help-to-stop-smoking