March 12, 2014 11.01 am This story is over 119 months old

Lincoln youths help promote smoke-free lifestyle

No Smoking Day: Young people have been raising awareness of the dangers of smoking for No Smoking Day.

Young people in Lincoln have been raising awareness of the dangers of smoking for the 30th No Smoking Day on March 12.

Pupils from Chad Varah Primary School worked with students from Castle Academy and the University of Lincoln to promote the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.

In a project funded by the Smoke Free Alliance, the students took part in a workshop organised by City of Lincoln Council’s North Neighbourhood Team, where they discussed smoking from a young person’s perspective with Project Tic Toc (Teens in Charge of Tabacco Control).

Using ideas that came out of the workshop – and with the help of a graffiti artist – the youngsters then spray painted a wall in St Giles, Lincoln to raise awareness.

Photo: CLC

Photo: CLC

Neighbourhood Manager Noel Tobin said: “It is well known that smoking can cause serious risks to your health and No Smoking Day aims to highlight the help and advice available for those who want to quit.

“Young people often mistakenly see smoking as glamorous or exciting, and it’s important that we dispel this image and make everyone aware from a young age of the serious impact smoking can have on your health. The truth is smoking increases your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and strokes.”

Project Tic Toc works with young people to improve the health and well being of everyone in Lincolnshire by reducing smoking rates and making tobacco use less desirable and accessible.

For more information go to www.nosmokingday.org.uk and www.smokefreelincs.co.uk.