Putting the Smokefree show on the road
The Smokefree Roadshow is rolling into a town near you this May to support those wanting to start their journey to a healthier lifestyle and quit the smokes.
The Taranaki Stop Smoking Service from Tui Ora, which is part of the Taranaki Fresh Air Coalition, is hitting the road to bring smoking awareness around the mountain.
The Smokefree team will be organising pop-up stalls and barbecues at each of the roadshow stops, including giveaways.
The Taranaki Stop Smoking Service will also be on hand to support whānau who want to become smokefree, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and improving their well-being.
Nearly 85 per cent of New Zealanders are smokefree – that means most of us are choosing not to smoke. The New Zealand Government has set a goal that fewer than 5 per cent of New Zealanders will be smokers by 2025.
Carlene Duff, one of the Tui Ora Stop Smoking quit coaches, says supporting the World Smokefree May campaign will help reach the goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa in 2025.
“The roadshow is an opportunity for us to show whānau who want to be smokefree that we’re there to support them, and that we are encouraging a healthy approach to life and improving their well-being at the same time,” says Carlene.
The Smokefree Roadshow will be in Stratford on Wednesday, May 8 at Prospero Place, Broadway; Hāwera on Wednesday May 15 at Town Square, 9 Union Street; Ōpunake on Wednesday, May 22 at Heartlands Hub, 21 Napier Street; Waitara on Friday, May 31 at Tui Ora, 14 Domett Street.
“Everyone is welcome to come and have a chat about their smokefree goals and how we can support them – there will be free kai and giveaways too!” says Carlene.
World Smokefree May is an initiative from Hāpai te Hauora (Māori Public Health) and this year’s theme is
‘We’re backing you,’ which focuses on whanaungatanga (close connection) and wrap-around support for those who want to give up smoking.
The dedicated month is a lead up to World Smokefree Day, internationally known as World No Tobacco Day, on May 31.
“Manaakitanga (looking after people) is one of our superpowers at Tui Ora, so let us support you towards a healthier, smokefree future for all in Aotearoa,” Carlene says.