A MAJOR campaign to stub out smoking once and for all has been launched in Greenock.
The Inverclyde Alliance, which features representatives from the likes of the council, NHS, emergency services and business forums, has pledged support to an initiative by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland aimed at achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2034.
The group has formally signed a charter set up by charity to reduce the harm caused by smoking.
Members have also made a commitment to refresh Inverclyde's anti-tobacco strategy and action plan and they will establish a dedicated forum to take a lead role in encouraging local organisations and businesses to sign up.
Council leader Stephen McCabe, who chairs the alliance, said: "Smoking is a key contributing factor towards inequalities in health and healthy life expectancy between the most affluent and poorest within Scotland and Inverclyde.
"Good progress is being made.
"We know that fewer young people have tried smoking, there has been a reduction in adult exposure to second-hand smoke and smoking in pregnancy continues to fall.
"Much has been done in Inverclyde - we were the first council in Scotland to introduce smoke-free play parks and family events and our smoking cessation services hold regular sessions in the community.
"By supporting the charter we can ensure we are all working together towards a common goal."
The alliance also includes community councils, Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, voluntary sector group CVS Inverclyde, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and West College Scotland.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: "Scotland has a vision for putting smoking out of fashion for the next generation, with fewer than five per cent of the population still smoking by 2034.
"I'm delighted to welcome the Inverclyde Alliance as a charter signatory, joining us in our work towards a generation free from tobacco.
"We're encouraging organisations and people in all walks of life to get behind this initiative and make a big difference for Scotland's health."
More information about the charter is available at www.ashscotland.org.uk/charter
For help to quit smoking freephone 0800 84 84 84.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel