An estimated 17,900 people in the town still smoke, accounting for 9.3% of the population.
The ‘What Will You Miss?’ campaign, launched by Smokefree South West, aims to encourage smokers to quit by highlighting the impact of tobacco on families.
It comes as figures suggest around five people die from smoking-related illnesses in Swindon every week.
Across the South West, smoking is responsible for approximately 6,600 deaths annually, equivalent to 18 people every day.
The campaign, supported by Swindon Borough Council and NHS partners, features an emotional film showing a bride on her wedding day.
Although surrounded by friends and family, the bride is missing someone important who should have been there.
The film carries the message: “Smoking doesn’t just take years from your life, it takes you away from the moments that matter most.”
Research involving more than 1,600 smokers across the South West found around two-thirds had no immediate plans to quit, despite concerns about the health consequences.
Most had previously attempted to stop smoking, but many lacked confidence in their ability to give up successfully.
Councillor Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
“Smoking is a leading cause of preventable illness and early death in Swindon, and it affects some of our communities far more than others.
“This campaign is about reaching people who smoke with a message that connects with what matters to them personally.
“Choosing whether to stop smoking is a personal decision. Our role is to make sure people have clear information and effective support available when they decide they want to quit.”
Figures from Swindon’s Stop Smoking Service show it supported 1,230 quit attempts over the past year.
Of those, 380 people successfully stopped smoking, representing a success rate of 31%.
Councillor Manro added:
“Many people who smoke have tried to stop before. With the right support, people are up to three times more likely to quit successfully, and that support is free and available locally through our Stop Smoking Service.
“Our advisers provide friendly, non-judgemental support tailored to each person. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We want people to know that help is there when they are ready to use it.”
The council’s free service provides an eight to 12-week programme, with appointments available in person, over the telephone or online.
Emma Kain, Director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council, said:
“We know that stopping smoking is hard, because people become dependent on nicotine and the behaviour becomes a habit.
“But with the right motivation, and the right support, you can quit for good and have more years in good health to spend with your loved ones – which is what we want for all our Swindon residents.”
The campaign is being delivered by Smokefree South West, a partnership involving 15 local authorities working alongside the NHS.
It builds on an initiative originally developed by Greater Manchester’s Make Smoking History programme and will be promoted through television, radio and social media.
Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health at North Somerset Council and Senior Programme Sponsor for Smokefree South West, said:
“Smoking remains one of the biggest causes of poor health and health inequalities across the South West, but it doesn’t have to be this way.”
The campaign also comes amid plans for legislation that would prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally being sold tobacco.
Residents looking to stop smoking can access free support through Swindon’s Stop Smoking Service at www.swindon.gov.uk/stopsmoking or by calling 01793 465513.
