Conference in Brighouse spotlights LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing in Calderdale and Kirklees
More than 125 professionals, community organisations and local partners gathered in Brighouse on for the Well Proud Conference.
The one-day event focused on improving LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing across Calderdale and Kirklees.
Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Celebrity MasterChef champion Ginger Johnson, the conference showcased a range of local projects working to tackle health inequalities and improve access to support for LGBTQ+ communities.
It was organised by The Brunswick Centre with key partners.
Delegates heard about initiatives including DRAG, which supports LGBTQ+ people affected by drugs, alcohol and chemsex, and Queer as Smoke, a targeted stop smoking campaign designed to connect LGBTQ+ people with inclusive cessation services.
The programme also explored safer relationships, HIV prevention, screening awareness and the importance of community connection through Pride and outreach.
The event forms part of the wider Well Proud campaign led by Brunswick, which brings together LGBTQ+ wellbeing projects across Calderdale and Kirklees to strengthen collaboration and improve visibility of support.
The day included a panel discussion on drugs and alcohol in LGBTQ+ communities and a presentation on harm reduction and safety in relation to chemsex. It concluded with a powerful creative performance from HIV activist, writer and performer Nathaniel J Hall.
John McKernaghan, Chief Officer at Brunswick said: “Well Proud is about making sure LGBTQ+ people can access the right support at the right time.
“The projects showcased, from DRAG to Queer as Smoke and others, show what can happen when services listen, work in partnership and respond to lived experience.
"Together, we are building a more inclusive and accessible system of support across Calderdale and Kirklees.”