Our time at Lark in the Park

The Lark in the Park community event provided an excellent opportunity for the Leeds Stop Smoking Service team to engage with local residents and raise awareness of the free support available to help people quit smoking and vaping. Held on 18 July, the event attracted a steady flow of visitors, allowing advisors to speak with around 20 people throughout the day. The outreach activity focused on reaching communities in an area of high deprivation and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Based within the event's wellbeing area, the team hosted an information stall featuring service banners and educational resources. The stall generated significant interest, particularly around the Leeds Stop Smoking Service's vaping support offer. Advisors were able to discuss the health harms associated with smoking, provide information about vaping as a quit aid, and answer questions from members of the public seeking advice on stopping smoking.

The event also sparked conversations with a variety of visitors, including healthcare professionals and local community members. Educational displays, including the service's "jar of nasties", proved particularly effective in engaging young people and families in discussions about the harmful substances found in cigarettes and the importance of preventing nicotine addiction. Parents and children alike showed a keen interest in learning more about the risks of smoking and vaping.

During the event, the team completed a carbon monoxide (CO) reading and signposted four people to the service for further support. The vaping support banner attracted considerable attention throughout the day and helped start conversations with individuals interested in improving their health and becoming smokefree.

Community events such as Lark in the Park play an important role in helping the Leeds Stop Smoking Service connect with residents in informal and accessible settings. By attending local events and speaking directly with communities, the service continues to raise awareness of the support available and encourage more people to take positive steps towards a smokefree future.