Attitudes to smoking in Romanian, Bulgarian and Lithuanian residents
This new report investigates smoking in Eastern European communities in Waltham Forest and nearby areas. We spoke with local people to learn what makes it hard to quit, what helps, and how services can work better.
What we heard
- Many people want to quit, but feel they have to do it by “willpower” alone.
- Friends, family and workmates can make quitting harder if lots of people around you smoke.
- Stress, money worries and feeling low make it tougher to stop.
- Vaping is often used as well as smoking, not instead of it.
- People are more likely to quit when they get the right support, feel well, and have non-smokers around them.
What would help
- Support in your own language, delivered by people who understand your culture.
- Flexible help close to home—at community venues, evenings or weekends.
- Clear, positive messages that build confidence, not blame.
- Joined-up support for stress, mood and money worries as well as stop-smoking tools (like nicotine replacement).
- Easy ways to get started—online, WhatsApp/Facebook, or in person.
What you can do next
- Thinking about quitting? We can point you to free, friendly support.
- Want information in Romanian or another language? Tell us what you need.
- Got ideas to make services better for Eastern European communities? Share your views with us.
Read the full report and recommendations below, or contact Healthwatch Waltham Forest to get help or give feedback. We’re here to make services work better for local people.
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