Madrid launches free workshops to quit smoking in just eight weeks

Madrid City Council has launched a free programme to help citizens stop smoking, available throughout the year at Community Health centres. The initiative, managed by Madrid Salud, is aimed at adults living in the capital who want to quit tobacco, as well as organisations interested in promoting healthy habits.

The plan consists of eight sessions: one individual session to assess each case and seven group sessions, with the option of receiving personalised support if necessary. The meetings are held weekly and follow-up continues at 3, 6 and 12 months to assess progress and prevent relapses.

Tobacco use remains a serious public-health problem in Spain, linked to around 55,000 deaths each year. Madrid Salud stresses that quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart attack and cancer, improves breathing and physical endurance, and benefits the nervous system.

The municipal programme seeks not only to reinforce motivation and consolidate the decision to quit tobacco, but also to prevent relapses and encourage healthier lifestyles. Participants receive materials such as practical guides and resources on the risks and benefits of giving up tobacco.

Activities focus especially on schools and workplaces, with prevention workshops and community actions. Session content addresses changing expectations, redesigning routines, adopting new habits, techniques to improve lung function and strategies for dealing with possible relapses.