Supporting LGBTQ+ people to stop smoking – webinar recording

Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities to Quit Smoking

As part of the first ever Stop Smoking London LGBTQ+ Week (27–31 October), we hosted two online sessions bringing together experts from community organisations, clinical practice and London-wide public health to explore how we can better support LGBTQ+ people who smoke to quit for good.

These sessions highlighted:

• The unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities
• The strengths and resilience within them
• Practical steps services and professionals can take to make stop-smoking support more inclusive, accessible and effective
• Why digital support is so effective for LGBTQ+ people

Addressing inequalities

For tobacco control and health professionals —  recorded Wednesday 29 October, 14:00–16:00

Led by experts including Dr Michael Brady (NHS England), Dr Tristan Barber (Royal Free Hospital) and colleagues from Stop Smoking London, this session explores how stigma, minority stress and mental-health inequalities influence smoking rates among LGBTQ+ people. Panellists discussed how clinicians and services can embed smoke-free support into routine care and create affirming environments where people feel safe seeking help.

A key takeaway: support that works for everyone

The Smoke Free app offer for London makes stop-smoking support easy, accessible and inclusive for all communities, including LGBTQ+ people who smoke.

Why digital support works so well for LGBTQ+ People.

As a universal offer available anywhere, anytime, the app complements local face-to-face stop smoking services in London and provides a practical, personalised way for people to start their quit attempt.

These sessions form part of Stop Smoking London’s wider commitment to reducing health inequalities and ensuring every community has access to the tools and support needed to lead a smoke-free life.