Scores of people aim to quit smoking each year but for many the impetus is soon lost as willpower declines and people start smoking again. The challenge was to make people set a quit date in the first instance and ensure the momentum was upheld and that there was a sufficient support network to keep people's resolve.

To encourage smokers to set a quit date by educating them about the range of local NHS Stop Smoking Services, and rewarding them if successful. Build a nationwide team of quitters that maintained the 'smokefree' momentum.

A multi platform radio approach was used with motivational emails, a bespoke website (money saving calculators, interactive forums, advice etc) and downloadable podcats sitting alongside on-air activity. Motivational SMS texts were sent out at key times of the day such as cigarette break times and Friday and Saturday nights. Harnessing the unique friendship element that a DJ has with the listener was also crucial for this campaign. Their close involvement in the project meant they could offer the listener advice and support when they needed it most.

The campaign was deemed to be a huge success with 5,196 registrations, 2,727 email registrations and 3,189 podcasts downloaded. It was the biggest community health project ever heard on Commercial Radio.

That radio has the ability to reach people across a variety of touch-points which in this instance enabled multiple routes of support for smokers wanting to quit. This ensured a real sense of radio station involvement in the process. It also acts as a nice reminder of the positive role a radio station can play in people's lives.