Council challenge parents to stop smoking in cars and home - Therapy Lounge News

20/10/2010

by Hannah McLaverty-Williamson

Stevenage Borough Council has teamed up with Stevenage Football Club to highlight to smokers the dangers of second-hand smoke to their children and partners.

The recently launched Smokebusters scheme is urging smokers not to light up in their homes and cars and local parents and pupils from eight schools attended the launch of the scheme at the football club last week.

Smoker Andrew Western a parent of a pupil at Ashtree School, attended the launch where he was breath tested. He was so surprised by the test results he said he would go further than quitting smoking in the house and car.

"I got a shock when I blew into the monitor to have my carbon monoxide levels tested. I was stunned by how high my reading was and it made me realise why I was struggling for breath when i walk the dog. I now know that giving up smoking is my only real option."

A spokesman for the council told The Comet: "Parents can sign up to the scheme by making a commitment to make their homes and cars completely smoke free. This will not only reduce the harm caused to children and others by second-hand smoke, but will also discourage young people from starting to smoke and encourage adults to try to give up."

The scheme asks participants to commit to one thing, keeping their home and car smoke free at all times. Those that worry they could struggle should consider stop smoking hypnotherapy, a popular method being used by those wanting to quit.

By retraining the part of the mind where beliefs about smoking are held it is easier for smokers to replace their habit with healthier behaviours, which in turn make it easier for them to quit for good.

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Parents told 'stop smoking in Pendle play areas' - Lancashire Telegraph

11:20am Saturday 16th October 2010

PARENTS have been told to stop smoking in play areas across Pendle.

‘No smoking’ signs have been installed at all 57 outdoor play areas and skate parks in the borough.

The message is also being aimed at teenagers as part of a drive by Pendle Council to improve health.

The move has been welcomed by an anti-smoking charity and the local MP Andrew Stephenson.

Council chiefs have admitted they can’t enforce it by law but are appealing for parents to stick to it in the best interests of the children.

Coun Naeem Ashraf, Pendle Council’s executive member for parks, said the move was aimed at reducing the risk of children passive smoking.

“It is about protecting the health of our children,” he said.

“The dangers of passive smoking are well known and children shouldn’t have to be subjected to it.

“If people are smoking in play areas then it is not a safe environment for children to be in.

“There is also the risk of people leaving butts of cigarettes or matches lying around.

“I have two children myself and wouldn’t want them to be playing when smoke is around.”

A spokeswoman for ASH, the health charity that works to eliminate harm caused by tobacco, said: “We support this move.

“There are two issues. One is passive smoking. The evidence is very clear that children exposed to second hand smoke are at risk of suffering from breathing problems.

“There is also the issue of setting a good example. We don’t want to see children starting to smoke. If parents and guardians refrain from smoking when taking children to the park then it sets a good example.

“It is all about acting responsibly.”

Although no legal action can be taken against someone smoking in a play area, councillors hope people will abide by the no smoking signs.

Coun Ashraf said: “There is no legal enforcement for it but it is going to be quite heavily advertised.

“We will be asking everybody to abide by this and stop smoking in these areas.”

Research commissioned by ASH carried out in March, which only surveyed smokers, found that just under half would support a ban on smoking in play areas.

Coun Mike Blomeley, leader of Pendle Council, said: “We simply don’t want people smoking around where young children are.

“There are potential health issues for children in areas where people are smoking.

“It also sets a bad example if people are standing around smoking when children are there.

“It is the sensible thing to do. It’s just about trying to discourage it and send a message out.”

Mr Stephenson said: “I wouldn’t encourage people to smoke around children.

“I am not too big a fan of too many health and safety signs, especially ones that are not enforceable, but in this instance I think the council are right, as long as the signs are not too in your face.”

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