While there's no completely risk-free level of alcohol, a small drink now and then can help us unwind and enjoy social moments. If you're drinking less than 14 units a week, you're likely avoiding the more serious long-term health risks linked to alcohol.

Want to check in with your habits? Try the World Health Organization's AUDIT-C tool to calculate your drinking score. It’s quick and simple—and a great first step in understanding your relationship with alcohol.

Answer the three lines of questions and add your three scores together. If your score is above 10, it might be a good idea to speak with someone. Support is available locally through Via Merton, where friendly, professional help is just a click away.

Support for LGBTQ+ People Around Drugs, Alcohol & Chemsex – Antidote

Antidote, part of London Friend, is the UK’s only LGBTQ+ run and targeted drug and alcohol support service. Offering free, confidential, and non-judgemental advice, Antidote supports LGBTQ+ people who may be struggling with recreational drug or alcohol use—including issues linked to chemsex, comedowns, isolation, and mental health.

No appointment is needed to access weekly drop-in sessions:

Monday Drop-In

🕚 11am–1pm at London Friend, 86 Caledonian Rd, N1 9DN (step-free access)

Thursday Drop-In

🕕 6pm–8pm at Turning Point, 32a Wardour St, W1D 6AQ (no step-free access)

They also offer a specialist Axis Clinic in Camberwell on Tuesdays (by appointment) for MSM engaged in chemsex, focusing on sexual health, HIV prevention, and substance use.

📩 Contact: antidote@londonfriend.org.uk

🌐 More info: londonfriend.org.uk

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health—and your wallet.

In Merton, 14.7% of people smoke, a rate higher than the national average. Combined with London’s air pollution, this puts residents at increased risk of long-term health problems. In 2022 alone, 143 deaths and 228 emergency hospital admissions of Merton residents were linked directly to smoking.

But there’s good news: it’s never too late to quit. Your body begins to recover almost immediately. Within just a few days, your breathing improves, your energy levels increase, and your immune system starts to bounce back—helping you fight off colds and illness more easily.

And the financial benefits are just as powerful. The average smoker spends around £4,800 a year on cigarettes—that’s almost £100,000 over 20 years. Imagine what else you could do with that money!

Quitting can be tough, but if you stay smoke-free for 28 days, you're five times more likely to quit for good.

Free stop smoking support is available for anyone who lives, works, studies, or is registered with a GP in Merton.

👉 Visit the Smoke Free Merton website for support, tools, and resources to help you on your quit journey.

Here in London, we're lucky to enjoy a vibrant queer scene across many neighbourhoods. But at MertonPlus, we recognise that the nightlife isn't for everyone.

Much of queer culture has traditionally centred around bars—and with that, often drinking, drugs, chemsex, and smoking. While we honour the importance of these spaces in our history and ongoing visibility, MertonPlus is committed to creating inclusive, alternative spaces that promote community, wellbeing, and connection across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

We host at least three social events each month, offering welcoming, low-pressure environments for everyone:

• Saturday Brunch at Pawelek, Mitcham
• Coffee & Crafts Chill-Out at The Lantern Hub, Raynes Park
• Evening Socials at Metronome Life, Morden

No booking needed—just turn up! Full details are on our **What’s On** page and **Eventbrite**.

If you're looking for support or advice, come and speak with one of our partner charities at our LGBTQ+ Summer Drop-ins:

• 📍 Raynes Park Library – 5–7pm, Tuesday 8 July
• 📍 Colliers Wood Library – 5–7pm, Tuesday 12 August
• 📍 Wimbledon Library – 5–7pm, Tuesday 9 September