LGBTQ+ people are more likely to smoke, drink heavily, and use drugs - often starting younger and facing greater health risks.
At MertonPlus, we want to help change that.
Breathe+ is our new project encouraging Merton’s LGBTQ+ community to quit smoking and cut down on drugs and alcohol by:
✅ Offering friendly, drop-in health sessions
✅ Creating safe, social spaces beyond bars and clubs
✅ Signposting support that understands your journey
💬
Join one of our regular drop-ins and take the first step toward a healthier you.
5-7pm Tuesday 8 July at Raynes Park Library (go to event page)
5-7pm Tuesday 12 August at Colliers Wood Library (go to event page)
5-7pm Tuesday 9 September at Wimbledon Library (go to event page)
You deserve to feel good - inside and out.
Help Inspire Others to Quit Smoking – Join a Powerful New Campaign!
Our friends at LGBT HERO are teaming up with Stop Smoking London to launch a bold, London-wide stop smoking campaign – and they’re looking for LGBTQ+ former smokers to be the face of it!
Have you kicked the habit? Whether it was last month or a decade ago, your story matters. By sharing your journey on camera, you could help inspire others in our community to become SmokeFree with confidence and pride.
🎥 Filming will take place in London this summer (flexible dates & times to suit you!)
🙌 All ages, backgrounds, and stories welcome – this is about real people and real change.
Interested or want to find out more? Email LGBT Hero now
Use the subject line: ‘SmokeFree’
- Let’s lift each other up – one smoke-free story at a time. 💖
Calling all residents living in Merton!
RM Partners NW & SW London Cancer Alliance would like to hear from you about what would support you to make the most out of your GP practice appointment and have a helpful conversation with your doctor if you are worried about that symptoms that could be cancer.
Planning beforehand and having a good conversation with your doctor will help them to decide if you need any tests or investigations. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking to their doctor or a healthcare professional about their concerns. In particular, we would like to know:
- who people are most likely to talk to about their health concerns
- how people prefer to receive health information for example, about cancer
- peoples' confidence in identifying cancer signs and symptoms
Your responses will help us to support people to make the most out of their healthcare appointment.
Am I drinking too much?
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.
Who provides services?
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.ukSupport 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
Why Quit Smoking?
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.
Ready to Quit Smoking?
Deciding to quit smoking is one of the best choices you can make for your health — but let’s be real, it’s not always easy. The good news? With the right tools, a solid plan, and a little support, you can do this.
🔄 Break the Routine
Smoking is often tied to habits — your morning coffee, waiting for the bus, or that post-meal ritual. So try this:
- Switch it up. Take a different route, sit in a new seat, or go for a short walk instead of lighting up.
- Clear the space. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and any reminders of smoking around your home or car.
🕐 Ride Out the Cravings
Cravings come and go — and most only last about 5 minutes. Distract yourself with:
- A quick glass of ice-cold water
- Texting a friend or scrolling something positive
- Doing something active, even if it’s just stretching or tidying up
📱 Use Tech to Stay on Track
There are some great apps designed to support you, track your progress, and keep you motivated:
- Smoke Free App – Track your smoke-free days, see how much money you've saved, and get science-backed tips to stay quit
- Other popular apps include QuitNow!, MyQuit Coach, or NHS Quit Smoking (available via www.nhs.uk/smokefree)
🌟 One Day at a Time
Don’t stress about quitting forever — just focus on today. Then tomorrow. Before you know it, a whole month has passed and you’re well on your way to a smoke-free life.
🧰 Use All the Tools
Nicotine cravings can be tough, but there’s help:
- Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like gums, patches, sprays, or lozenges
- Your local pharmacist or GP can recommend what’s best for you
- Look into free support like NHS Stop Smoking Services — available in many areas and proven to help
You’ve got this. Whether it’s your first try or your fifth, every step forward is a win.
Want to take the first step right now?
📲 Download the Smoke Free App and start your quit journey today. Your future self will thank you.
What is MertonPlus?
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
Get Extra Support to Quit Smoking with the Smoke Free App
Take control of your quit journey with the Smoke Free App—right from your smartphone. This enhanced support service offers:
- Up to 12 weeks of your chosen vape or Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), delivered to your home within 48 hours
- 24/7 access to expert stop smoking advisors
- Personalised craving tips and feedback to help you manage triggers
It’s easy to get started — follow the link to download the app today.
We know how challenging quitting smoking can be—which is why Everyone Health Merton offers a free, expert-led stop smoking service designed to give you the best chance of long-term success.
When you sign up, you'll be paired with a trained stop smoking practitioner who will provide tailored advice, ongoing support, and a personalised quit plan. You can choose between one-to-one sessions or a group setting, with up to 12 weeks of support available.
To make things even easier, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is included to help manage cravings and support you every step of the way.
If you're ready to take the first step toward a smoke-free life, Everyone Health Merton is here to help.
Via Merton offers free, confidential support for anyone aged 18+ who is concerned about their own or someone else’s substance use. Their friendly team provides tailored advice, one-to-one sessions, group support, and help with health, wellbeing, and recovery planning. Support is also available for family, friends and carers. Evening, online and phone appointments are offered to fit around your schedule.
📞 0300 303 4610
📧 merton@viaorg.uk
📍 7-8 Langdale Parade, Mitcham, CR4 2PF (open Mon/Wed/Fri: 10am–5pm | Tue/Thu: 10am–7pm)
