Anti-smoking message taken home by Wishaw pupils

Jul 8 2009 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

EVERY primary school pupil in Wishaw has been given a leaflet to take home asking parents not to smoke in their own homes.

NHS Lanarkshire’s Wishaw Locality Team is behind the move which sees mums and dads being asked to sign a pledge that they won’t light up around their kids.

The Smoke Free Homes and Zones programme hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and make young children realise the health implications involved.

Lynn Adams, the team’s health promotion officer, said: “Smoking continues to be one of the most preventable causes of ill health in Lanarkshire.

“Efforts have been made through national policy and legislation to protect the population from second hand smoke following the introduction of the Smoking Ban. Smoke Free Homes and Zones is designed to complement existing local and national policy as well as some of the current work being delivered in schools and nurseries in relation to Health Promoting Schools/Nurseries and the new Curriculum for Excellence agenda.

“We are working with North Lanarkshire Council Education Department and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, to raise awareness on the effects of tobacco and encourage young children to have a more positive input into the health and wellbeing of future generations.”

Every pupil in Wishaw and Shotts has been given an information leaflet to take home to their parents asking them to participate in the Smoke Free Homes and Zones pledge.

On registration, they will receive an information pack on how to go about making their homes healthier, safer and free from smoke.

Finding out about stop smoking groups in your area is as easy as phoning 08452 17 77 07, or texting “Advice” to 81066. You can also visit www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk for more information, or contact the health promotion team at Cleland Hospital on (01698) 863235.

STOP SMOKING: the Fire Brigade has teamed up with NHS Lanarkshire’s Wishaw Locality Team for a scheme that sees kids being sent home with info on why their parents shouldn’t smoke in the house.