‘Space to breathe’ campaign prepares Northern Ireland to go smoke-free on 30 April
‘Space to breathe’, a campaign to prepare the public and businesses in Northern Ireland for the implementation of smoke-free legislation on Monday 30 April 2007, was launched today by the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA).
The new campaign aims to raise awareness about the legislation and encourage compliance and support from all businesses and the public, in particular smokers.
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “There is no doubt that breathing in other people’s smoke significantly increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and asthma. Around 3,000 lives are lost each year in Northern Ireland as a result of tobacco related illnesses, most of which are preventable.1
“This legislation, which has received overwhelming support from the public, will save lives. We know that the majority of adults in Northern Ireland (74%) are non-smokers and the majority of people who do smoke (77%) want to quit.2 Everyone has the right to work and socialise in a smoke-free environment and from 30 April we can all look forward to a healthier, smoke-free future.”
From January to April 2007, the campaign will involve television, radio and outdoor advertising, print materials for the public, a pack for businesses and a new website, www.spacetobreathe.org.uk, highlighting sources of advice and support about the legislation.
Dr Gaffney continued: “The experiences of countries such as the Republic of Ireland and Scotland have highlighted that the time before the introduction of the legislation is critical in ensuring that both the public and businesses, no matter how small, are aware of, and prepared for, the new regulations. Many businesses have already gone smoke-free and this campaign aims to ensure that everyone is fully aware of how the new legislation will impact on them.”
END
Notes to the Editor:
The campaign launch will start at 11.00am on Monday 8 January 2007 at the HPA, 18 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast. There will be a media facility following the launch at 11.30am when speakers will be available for interview.
The website: www.spacetobreathe.org.uk will be live from Monday 8 January 2007.
The ‘Space to breathe’ campaign is funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
For media enquiries contact:
Rosie McGaughey or Jenny Dougan at the HPA on Tel: 028 9031 1611.
- The UK smoking epidemic: deaths in 1995 – London Health Education Authority, 1998.
- Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Continuous household survey. Belfast: NISRA, 2006.
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