Rutherglen Reformer

Please don’t smoke around children

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People are being asked to pledge not to smoke around children as part of a new Lanarkshir­e project.

NHS Lanarkshir­e has launched its Positive Smoke-Free Role Models project, in partnershi­p with Voluntary Action North Lanarkshir­e (VANL).

The project is designed to support members of the community, whether they smoke or not, to take the pledge and become a positive smoke-free role model.

The project has a particular focus on children and families, and works towards: Preventing children and young people from becoming the next generation of people who smoke and protecting children, adults, and pets from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke

Karen Mather from the health board said:“We’re really thrilled to have launched this new and exciting project with VANL.

“It will reduce children’s visibility to smoking, with the intention that they will grow up less likely to smoke, and will also protect them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Whether it’s not smoking around children, making homes and cars smoke-free, or positively influencin­g others to get involved and take the pledge, anyone in North Lanarkshir­e can be a positive smoke-free role model, and contribute to the vision of a smokefree Lanarkshir­e.”

Gina Alexander, community solutions programme manager, VANL said:“Positive Smoke-Free Role Models is a great community led project supporting the work to protect our children and young people from the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoking.

“We have been delighted to be able to work in partnershi­p with colleagues in NHS

Lanarkshir­e’s Tobacco Control Team to develop our grassroots approach involving the Community Solutions organisati­ons who work in and with their communitie­s.

“To date, we’ve had over 100 pledges and we are looking forward to receiving many more.”

Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service. To find out more informatio­n on stop smoking services, call the helpline service (Monday - Friday from 9am until 5pm) on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWa­y.scot.

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