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Stop Smoking Process Did you know? Support Reasons to stop Tips for Smokers Vaping Swap to Stop Useful Videos Find out moreQueer as Smoke Calderdale
Queer as Smoke Calderdale aims to raise awareness of smoking within LGBTQ+ communities and highlight the support available to help people quit. The campaign promotes local stop-smoking services, including Calderdale’s vaping offer, so people can choose an approach that works for them.
This work is delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Smokefree, The Brunswick Centre and Calderdale Council Public Health, bringing together expertise and community insight to make quitting more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Stopping smoking is a process with three steps:
Step 1: Preparing to stop
Start by getting clear on why you want to quit and what might get in the way. Understanding your triggers, choosing a quit date and exploring the support available can help you feel ready and confident. Local services can talk you through your options, including nicotine replacement, vaping and practical advice.
Step 2: Stopping
When your quit date arrives, you’ll have a plan in place. You can use the tools and products that work best for you and check in with stop-smoking specialists for guidance. Support during this stage can make a big difference and help you navigate cravings, routines and tough moments.
Step 3: Staying stopped
After the first few weeks, staying smoke-free becomes about building new habits and keeping your motivation strong. You can continue to use support for as long as you need it. Every smoke-free day boosts your health and makes a lasting difference.
There is plenty of help available throughout the whole journey, so you never have to do it alone.
Did you know?
Research shows that LGBTQ+ people are significantly more likely to smoke than the general population. According to the 2020 report “Smoking in the LGBTQ+ Community” by Health in Equality, that difference is stark — many in our community carry a heavier burden of tobacco use and its effects.
But quitting isn’t just a desire. The same research indicates the majority of LGBTQ+ people want to stop.
That’s why Queer as Smoke exists: to shine a light on how smoking affects our community and to promote accessible, affirming support for stopping.
We work in partnership with Yorkshire Smokefree, The Brunswick Centre and Calderdale Council Public Health to make sure help is available for anyone who wants it.
Because quitting smoking isn’t only about physical health. It’s about mental wellbeing, reclaiming control and building a healthier, fuller life in a community that truly cares.
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Support is available
Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale is working to inspire a smoke-free generation across Calderdale, offering support that fits around your life and your goals. Their team understands that everyone’s quit journey is different, so they provide a range of flexible options to help you choose the approach that works best for you.
You can have regular face-to-face meetings with an advisor, arrange phone calls for ongoing support, or book video appointments if you prefer to meet online. You can also use their online personal action plan to track your progress, build motivation and stay on course between sessions.
All of these options are designed to help you move towards a smoke-free life with confidence, clarity and support every step of the way.
Reasons to stop
There are many reasons to stop smoking. These will be individual to you. Some common motivators include:
- Improving Physical Health Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for your physical health. It reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Your body begins to heal within days of stopping, leading to better overall health and increased energy.
- Reducing Financial Stress With a pack of cigarettes costing between £11 – £18, smoking is a costly habit. Quitting not only saves you money instantly but also helps stretch your monthly budget further.
- Taking Back Control Smoking consumes your thoughts and time, from shopping for cigarettes to finding places to smoke. Quitting frees up your time, allowing you to spend it how you choose.
- Boosting Your Mental Health Contrary to popular belief, smoking doesn't help with stress and anxiety. In fact, quitting smoking improves your mental health and overall wellbeing.
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Whatever your reason, your family, chosen family, or friends can be your strongest allies in quitting smoking. They can listen, talk, and suggest rewards when you reach milestones. A strong support network can significantly boost your success. Don't get discouraged, quitting smoking is a challenging journey that often takes multiple attempts. No matter how long it takes, take pride in your progress and stay committed to your goal.
Tips for smokers:
Look for support
Your family, chosen family and friends can play a big part in helping you stop smoking. They can check in with you, listen when things feel tough and celebrate your achievements as you hit each milestone. A strong support network doesn’t just feel good. It can significantly increase your chances of quitting for good.
Reduce financial stress
Smoking has become incredibly expensive, with a pack of 20 costing anywhere from £11 to £18. Quitting frees up money straight away and can ease pressure on your monthly budget. Many people find the financial benefits are one of the earliest and most motivating changes they notice.
Take back control
Smoking affects more than your health. It takes up time, energy and headspace. From planning where to buy cigarettes to stepping outside for every smoke break, it can shape your whole day. When you stop, you get that time back. You can choose how you want to spend it and build routines that work for you.
Stop for your mental health
Many people believe smoking helps them relax or cope with stress, anxiety or difficult emotions. But evidence shows the opposite. Stopping smoking can improve your mood, reduce anxiety and support your overall wellbeing. A smoke-free life often creates more calm, not less.
Don’t get discouraged
Quitting can be challenging and most people make several attempts before stopping for good. Each attempt teaches you something new and brings you closer to success. No matter where you are on the journey, you should feel proud of every step you take towards becoming smoke-free.
Vaping
You don’t have to quit smoking on your own - vape kits are available to help you stop smoking. Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale and Yorkshire Cancer Research are working together to offer smokers in Calderdale the option of using an e-cigarette to stop smoking.
Swap to Stop
Find out more about Swap to Stop and order a free vape kit.
Other Useful Videos
Smokers are three times as likely to quit using stop smoking services versus quitting alone.
Gay Times, 2021
As Queer people we are more likely to smoke than the general population. In fact, LGBTQ+ people are one and a half times more likely to smoke cigarettes than our straight counterparts.
Stu Hosker, Co-Founder, Queer Voices Heard