NO-ONE BLOOMS IN ISOLATION: COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO STOP SMOKING
Published: April 18, 2024 by
Chal Zon
In 2024, around 76,000 people in the UK will die from smoking, with many more contracting debilitating smoking-related illnesses. LGBTQ+ people are at a much higher risk of smoking than heterosexual people – with some communities like lesbian and bisexual women almost 10% more likely to smoke. It’s easy to fall into smoking in social situations or as a coping strategy for emotional or psychological issues. As spring begins and our social calendars begin to fill up, maybe it’s time to take stock of the impact smoking has on your health.
Quitting is easier in the community
Quitting can be really difficult – but there’s support out there. LGBTQ+ people often face complex barriers to quitting, including fear of discrimination in mainstream healthcare. But our community has taken action to create peer support spaces that understand the unique experience of LGBTQ+ with smoking. No-one blooms in isolation – reaching out to your loved ones, peer support groups, and LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare professionals will provide the nourishment you need to stop smoking. Studies show that people who access local stop-smoking services are 3 times more likely to quit than going it alone. LGBT Foundation have worked hard over the past few years to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in Manchester’s stop smoking services – we’ve trained Greater Manchester’s stop smoking services and healthcare professionals in LGBTQ+ diversity & inclusion, created smokefree spaces in local Pride events, and fought for LGBTQ+ representation in Manchester’s stop smoking campaigns. If you want to start the Spring with a healthier heart, lungs, and mind, you can find support below:
Be Smoke-Free Manchester: Manchester-based stop smoking service provided by Change Grow Live, in partnership with LGBT Foundation. Be Smoke-Free provides you with a dedicated stop-smoking nurse and free products for nicotine cravings. It’s available for anyone living in Manchester and provides LGBTQ+-affirming and inclusive stop-smoking support.
Here and Now: A mutual aid support group for LGBT+ people to share their experiences with substance misuse and addiction with each other in a safe space and a friendly atmosphere. All people are welcome, including those worried about smoking addiction. Whether you’re right at the beginning of your journey or you want to maintain your goals in your recovery, Here and Now is a place for everybody to come together. Meetings are held every Tuesday at LGBT Foundation’s Community Centre: 2nd Floor Fairbairn House, Sackville Street, M1 3NJ.
LGBT SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery is a self-management cognitive behavioural therapy recovery program where you can work with peers in a safe space to learn how to use simple tools to look at motivation, cravings, urges and relapse prevention. SMART tools can help you manage your addictive behaviours and also be used universally in your day-to-day life. This group takes place every Thursday 6pm both online via Zoom (email for access), and in person at LGBT Foundation’s Community Centre: 2nd Floor Fairburn House, Sackville Street, M1 3NJ.
NHS Stop Smoking Helpline: The NHS has a free Stop Smoking Helpline running between 9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 11am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, providing advice and signposting. Call 0300 123 1044
Smoke Free App: If you’d rather start your quitting journey without accessing other services, the Smoke Free app provides 24/7 stop-smoking support at the touch of a button. Use it to get expert, personalised support to crush your cravings, set goals to keep motivated, monitor health improvements and money saved. If you live in Greater Manchester, you’ll receive full access to all premium features in the app free for six months, usually worth £60. You’ll also be able to get a free 4-week vaping starter kit straight to your door as part of the national Swap to Stop scheme.
Local stop smoking services across Greater Manchester: Each borough of Greater Manchester has community-based stop-smoking support. You can use Make Smoking History’s local services page to find a service near you.
