Fast Forward Launches New Tobacco Leaflet for Young People
12 March 2014
Fast Forward, in partnership with NHS Lothian, are pleased to be launching their new leaflet on the issue of tobacco use among young people. The launch coincides with the British Heart Foundation’s No Smoking Day on 12th March 2014 which helps smokers to quit through creating a supportive environment and highlighting sources of help and advice.
The leaflet, titled ‘Looking Hot, But Smoking’s Not,’ was designed by Fast Forward’s staff and volunteers over a period of several months, during which they also ran focus groups with 11-14 year olds. It features two teenage characters having a conversation about smoking, with one of the characters, a female smoker, talking about how fashionable, sociable and relaxing smoking is. Her friend, however, questions the truth behind her claims, aided by fact boxes which provide hard evidence. It also features a large illustration that highlights a number of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, including arsenic, formaldehyde and ammonia.
The leaflet comes at a time when an estimated 207,000 UK children begin smoking each year, according to independent research.* In the Lothians, meanwhile, 3% of 13 year olds are currently regular smokers.** With this in mind, 5 key smoking tips have been included in the leaflet as well as information on how to get help and support to stop. Alastair Mackinnon, Chief Executive of Fast Forward says: “There is a huge amount to be positive about in Scotland with regard to progress in reducing smoking rates among younger people, but there is still more to be done. We will continue to work alongside young people and those who work with them to achieve a smoke-free future for all Scotland’s young people.”
Leaflets are available for free for organisations in the Lothians. Out with the Lothians, leaflets are available to buy through www.fastforward.org.uk/shop/
* Hopkinson, NS., Lester-George, A., Ormiston-Smith, N., Cox, A. & Arnott, D. Child uptake of smoking by area across the UK. Thorax 2013. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2013-204379
** Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) 2010
