A groundbreaking event in Leeds, Understanding Chemsex in Our Communities, will bring together health professionals, community workers, and members of the public to explore the realities and risks of chemsex, a practice increasingly shaping sexual health and wellbeing in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The event, hosted by Forward Leeds, aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and foster open dialogue around the complex intersection of substance use, sexuality, and community health.
It takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Leeds City Centre on Friday 24 October 2025.
“Chemsex is a sensitive and often misunderstood topic,” said Forward Leeds Specialist Chemsex Practitioner Darren Murphy. “By creating a space for honest discussion, we hope to understand its impact better and support both individuals and services in responding more effectively.”
Speakers include:
- Phillip Wragg – Senior Health Promotion Specialist, Terrence Higgins Trust
- Dr Stephen Naulls – Academic Clinical Fellow, Brighton and Sussex Medical School
- Patriic Gayle – Projects Lead, Gay Men’s Health Collective
- Ben Kaye – LGBTQIA+ Senior Recovery Worker, CGL
- Dr Mikey Ewens – Consultant Physician in Genitourinary (Sexual Health & HIV) & Internal Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Paul Holt – Specialist Practitioner, The Northern Integrated Contraception, Sexual Health and HIV Service, Manchester
- Darren Murphy – Specialist Chemsex Practitioner, Forward Leeds
Attendees can expect:
- Insightful presentations from experts in public health and sexual health services
- First-hand perspectives and lived experiences
- Practical guidance on harm reduction, support resources, and strategies for community engagement
The event comes at a time when sexual health services across the UK and beyond are reporting a rise in the number of people affected by chemsex-related harms. With growing concerns about mental health, addiction, and the challenges faced by frontline workers, this conversation could not be more timely.
Understanding Chemsex in Our Communities is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Organisers encourage those who register to ensure they can attend—or release their ticket if plans change—so as many people as possible can benefit from the session.