Queer as Smoke Kirklees

Queer as Smoke Kirklees aims to shine a light on smoking within LGBTQ+ communities and make it easier for people to find the right help when they want to quit. The campaign raises awareness of how smoking affects our communities and highlights the range of support available locally, including the vaping offer in Kirklees.

By sharing accurate information, promoting inclusive services and encouraging open conversations, Queer as Smoke Kirklees helps people take the next step towards a smoke-free life in a way that feels safe, supportive and tailored to them.

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.

Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. It's never too late to quit - and with the support of a stop smoking advisor, you're four times more likely to quit.

In Kirklees you can access stop smoking support from the Kirklees Wellness Service. This is a council service which offers support over the telephone or in person.

You can email them at wellness.service@kirklees.gov.uk or call them in 01484 234095. If you prefer you can make an online referral.

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Alongside the Kirklees Stop Smoking Service, you can also get support through the Smokefree App. It gives you personalised guidance and 24-hour access to a fully trained stop-smoking advisor every day of the year, so help is always within reach.

The app includes:

• Goal-setting tools that adapt to your quit journey

• Support for coping with cravings and managing triggers

• Clear information on the health benefits of quitting

• A cost-saving calculator to track how much you’re saving

• A digital rewards scheme to keep you motivated along the way

It’s another way to get the support you need, whenever you need it.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

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.

Look for support
Your family, chosen family or friends can support your efforts to stop smoking by listening and talking to you, or suggesting rewards when you meet certain milestones. Having a strong support network can massively

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.

Find out more about Swap to Stop and order a free vape kit.

• For more information about The Brunswick Centre smoking cessation service, click here.
• For more information generally from the NHS on stopping smoking, click here