What is ‘Not Around Us’

‘Not Around Us’ is a Local Authority initiative rolled out by Healthy Ireland and Sláintecare Healthy Communities and supported by Comhairle na nÓg. ‘Not Around Us’ is an invitation from young people to consider activity in spaces where there are children and young people, in order to provide smoke/vape free environments for our young people and to help de-normalise smoking and vaping for the next generation. This campaign is a step towards a Tobacco Free Westmeath.

Aim/Purpose

Background

The “Report on the Health Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) in the Workplace” led to the Minister for Health and Children, Michael Martin T.D. introduced the ban smoking in the workplace in 2004.

Numerous reports state Environmental Tobacco Smoke or passive smoking is carcinogenic including the Department of Health Tobacco Free Ireland Report 2013.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Ireland. Representing almost one in five of all deaths or at least 5,200 people per year. In Ireland just over 3 in 20 people smoke.

The ‘Not Around Us’ campaign is a LA led project to discourage tobacco use for the next generation.

Based on the belief that it should be normal for places in Ireland to be free from tobacco and vaping, particularly areas frequented by children and young people.

“Not Around Us” is about promoting an environment where it is easier for those who smoke/vape to quit and stay quit and to help de-normalise smoking for the next generation.

Collaboration and Support

The ‘Not around Us’ campaign in Westmeath has been progressed by Westmeath County Council, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Healthy Ireland, and supported by LCDC, Westmeath Sports Partnership, Youth Work Ireland Midlands, Children and Young Peoples Services Committee, Department of Health, Department of Rural & Community Development, HSE and Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg along with other stakeholders and agencies. The initiative was initially funded by the Sláintecare Healthy Communities and Healthy Westmeath, with additional and continuing support from Westmeath County Council.

This Campaign is an Ask, it’s not an order

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Not Around Us Westmeath Contacts

• Sláintecare Healthy Communities Local Development Officer
  Brigid Geoghegan  |  email: healthycommunities@westmeathcoco.ie  |  Phone: 044 9338918

• Healthy Westmeath Coordinator
  Sarah Mc Manus  |  email: healthycommunities@westmeathcoco.ie  |  Phone: 044 9442075