'Queer as Smoke' aims to raise awareness of smoking in LGBTQ+ communities and promote local smoking cessation provision, including the offer of vaping, in Calderdale and Kirklees.

Find out more at The Brunswick centre website

LGBTQ+ people are 46% more likely to smoke than the general population.

There are higher levels of stress, anxiety and mental illness in these communities and smoking is used as a way to cope.

Smoking is seen as more socially acceptable in this community. People often start smoking to fit in, make friends or due to peer pressure.

Alcohol and drugs are also a trigger to smoke and often go hand in hand.

Did you know?

86% of LGBTQ+ people want to quit smoking, but what might stop them from seeking help to quit?

• Worry of discrimination when accessing services
• Previous negative experience of services
• Not comfortable attending appointments in certain venues

To increase your chances of quitting successfully we encourage all smokers to get support from their local NHS stop smoking service. The Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale team have undertaken LGBTQ+ awareness training and work hard to make sure our service is accessible and meets the needs of all smokers in Calderdale.

Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale is inspiring a smoke-free generation in Calderdale.

There are many ways Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale can help including:

• Regular face to face meetings with one of our advisors.
• Regular telephone calls with one of our advisors.
• Video calls with one of our advisors.
• Using the online personal action plan.