Smoking rates in London’s LGBTQ+ community are being driven by social isolation and lifestyle pressures, according to the findings of a ground-breaking survey.
Stress, anxiety, loneliness and the need for friendship are all cited by LGBTQ+ people as key reasons why they smoke, with nicotine use and socialising closely linked.
But while half of smokers who responded to the survey say they have previously tried to quit, most went ‘cold turkey’ without seeking professional help or advice. The findings suggest more targeted messaging is needed to improve awareness within London’s LBTQ+ community of the range of free stop smoking support available.
In the UK, smoking rates among LGBTQ+ people are known to be significantly higher than in the general population, with research suggesting social, emotional and environmental factors all play a part, along with challenges accessing cessation support.
To better understand the picture in London, the charity LGBT HERO worked with Stop Smoking London to commission a first-of-its-type survey to assess attitudes to nicotine use, quit attempts and support needs among LGBTQ+ people across the capital.
Building on the feedback received, the two organisations will next week (October 26-30) launch a joint campaign – Stop Smoking London LGBTQ+ Week. It aims to raise awareness of higher smoking rates among LGBTQ+ communities and encourage more LGBTQ+ Londoners to quit by connecting them with free, inclusive support.
More than 1,620 people responded to the survey and among these:
60% said they currently smoked, vaped or used other tobacco/nicotine products
Socialising, stress, boredom and nightlife were most frequently cited as reasons for nicotine use, with smoking areas acting as key social and meeting spaces
Roughly half of smokers, vapers and dual users had previously tried to quit but ‘cold turkey’ was by far the most common method, with use of professional help uncommon and low awareness of the stop smoking support available
60% felt current stop smoking messages were not very effective or not effective at all
76% said it was very or somewhat important stop smoking messaging included LGBTQ+ people, with respondents wanting campaigns to address stigma, mental health, nightlife and co-use with alcohol or other substances. They also wanted diverse representation, inclusive language and visible presence in LGBTQ+ spaces
Almost two thirds had noticed stop smoking campaigns, particularly through health services, social media and product packaging but only 26% considered the messages very or somewhat effective
Alongside these results, the survey responses clearly show how smoking can become embedded in LGBTQ+ social environments, where community, social norms and experiences of stigma can all influence smoking behaviours and make quitting harder.
Tracy Parr, Programme Director at Stop Smoking London, said:
“We know that people within the LGBTQ+ community not only smoke significantly more than those in the general population but also face a number of challenges that make quitting more difficult.
“The results of our survey with LGBT HERO show that stop smoking messaging must in future be better tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ people if we want it to cut through to those we’re most keen to reach – removing barriers to the support they need to quit.
“This vital insight will support our drive to reduce smoking in communities where rates remain stubbornly high – including those working in routine and manual occupations and people with mental health issues. It’s really important that people understand the impact of smoking on their health and wellbeing and know how they can seek help to quit.”
Ian Howley, CEO, LGBT HERO, said:
“For many LGBTQ+ people, smoking isn’t just about nicotine. It can be about stress, loneliness, mental health and even the way we socialise. For some, the smoking area is where conversations happen, friendships are made and people feel part of a community. We can’t ignore that.
“It’s easy to tell someone to stop smoking. What’s harder, and far more important, is understanding why they smoke in the first place. If we genuinely want to help people quit, we need to recognise the role smoking plays in their lives and offer support that works for them, not just tell them what they should be doing.
“That’s why our work with Stop Smoking London is so important. We want LGBTQ+ people to know that there is support out there that understands their experiences, doesn’t judge them and can help them make healthier choices.”
This year’s Stop Smoking London LGBTQ+ Week will aim to build on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, with LGBTQ+ organisations, community and voluntary groups, health and care partners and charities all helping to highlight the range of quit support available across the capital, along with the health and financial benefits of giving up.
A range of materials, including videos, social media posts and newsletter content, have been produced to promote the campaign and raise awareness of the support on offer.
Smokers seeking to quit can access a range of help and support across London. This includes the Smoke Free App which is available through Stop Smoking London and provides 24/7 access to smoking cessation advisors and nicotine replacement therapies.
London’s local authorities provide smoking cessation support, and you can find what is offered in your area at Support to Quit Smoking – Stop Smoking London.
