Events
Well Proud conference
Well Proud conference spotlights LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing in Calderdale and Kirklees
More than 125 professionals, community organisations and local partners gathered in Brighouse on Friday 27 February for the Well Proud Conference, a one-day event focused on improving LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing across Calderdale and Kirklees.
Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Celebrity MasterChef champion Ginger Johnson, the conference showcased a range of local projects working to tackle health inequalities and improve access to support for LGBTQ+ communities.
It was organised by The Brunswick Centre (Brunswick) with key partners.
Delegates heard about initiatives including DRAG, which supports LGBTQ+ people affected by drugs, alcohol and chemsex, and Queer as Smoke, a targeted stop smoking campaign designed to connect LGBTQ+ people with inclusive cessation services. The programme also explored safer relationships, HIV prevention, screening awareness and the importance of community connection through Pride and outreach.
LGBTQ+ people are often disproportionately affected by issues such as substance use and smoking, yet can face barriers when accessing mainstream services. The conference highlighted how tailored, culturally aware responses can help bridge that gap.
The event forms part of the wider Well Proud campaign led by Brunswick, which brings together LGBTQ+ wellbeing projects across Calderdale and Kirklees to strengthen collaboration and improve visibility of support.
The day included a panel discussion on drugs and alcohol in LGBTQ+ communities and a presentation on harm reduction and safety in relation to chemsex. It concluded with a powerful creative performance from HIV activist, writer and performer Nathaniel J Hall.
John McKernaghan, Chief Officer at Brunswick said:
“Well Proud is about making sure LGBTQ+ people can access the right support at the right time.
The projects showcased, from DRAG to Queer as Smoke and others, show what can happen when services listen, work in partnership and respond to lived experience.
Together, we are building a more inclusive and accessible system of support across Calderdale and Kirklees.”
More Info
Take a look at more information on all the sessions and speakers with more photos, videos and feedback being added...
Further information about Well Proud and the projects highlighted at the conference can be found at: www.thebrunswickcentre.org.uk/wellproud