Creating healthier environments is about more than policies. It is about working alongside communities, building on trusted relationships, and making it easier for people to access support when they need it.
Greater Manchester was asked to contribute a case study for the Local Government Association, outlining our community-driven approach to creating voluntary smokefree spaces. The initiative forms part of Greater Manchester's ambition to become a smokefree city-region by 2030 and the wider Make Smoking History – Reignite your quitting journey programme.
The pilot involved eight community organisations testing practical approaches to introducing smokefree spaces. Partners found that many anticipated barriers did not materialise, with organisations reporting cleaner environments, less smoking-related litter, increased confidence in having conversations about smoking, and more opportunities to signpost people to local stop smoking support.
The learning has been used to develop the Greater Manchester Smokefree Spaces Toolkit, which includes guidance, template policies, communications resources and case studies to help organisations introduce smokefree spaces in a practical and positive way.
For organisations interested in creating healthier community environments, this case study offers valuable insights into the power of partnership working and community leadership.
"Community organisations are often at the heart of the neighbourhoods they serve and the first place people turn to for support. They understand their communities, have trusted relationships with local people and are already helping residents improve their health and wellbeing. The real success of this pilot is the difference it can make for people and communities. By building on existing relationships and community leadership, participating organisations have created environments that support healthier lives while opening up more opportunities to connect people with stop smoking support." - Helen Gollins, Director of Public Health, Trafford Council and Chair of the Greater Manchester Public Health Network
"Greater Manchester's progress in reducing smoking prevalence and tackling smoking-related harm has been built on a long-term commitment to partnership working across local government, the NHS, communities and the voluntary sector. Smokefree spaces is a great example of that approach in action.” - Dave Boulger, Associate Director - Population Health, NHS Greater Manchester and Programme Director, Greater Manchester Public Health Network
Read the full case study:
https://www.local.gov.uk/case-studies/greater-manchester-creating-smokefree-spaces-through-trusted-community-partnerships
Download the Greater Manchester Smokefree Spaces Toolkit:
https://makesmokinghistory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Greater-Manchester-Smokefree-Spaces-Toolkit.pdf
Smoke free space signage