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Play parks to go smoke-freeIntroductionSigns are being put up in play parks across the Chichester District asking visitors not to smoke where children are playing. The posters, designed by a local schoolchild, will be displayed in 21 parks throughout the district. "Young children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of passive smoking and it is important to protect them from second-hand smoke as much as possible. We hope that these posters, designed by Louise aged 12 from Chichester, will send out a clear message to smokers," says Cllr Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Wellbeing and Community Services at Chichester District Council. "The signs will allow children to enjoy playing outside, smoke-free and care-free. We also hope that it will give parents the confidence to ask people not to smoke around their children." Anna Kirk, Tobacco Control Lead for the NHS in West Sussex, says: "We are really pleased to have been able to work with Chichester District Council to launch their smoke-free parks. This is a great initiative. We know that young people are influenced by what they see. They are also one of the biggest groups affected by second-hand smoke, so this is taking a significant step towards protecting our young people." The council's Leisure and Wellbeing Team joined forces with NHS Sussex on the project, which is funded by the West Sussex Tobacco Control Alliance. Chichester District's Wellbeing Team can help those who are looking to give up smoking, as well as advice on other health and wellbeing issues. The free service helps people to improve their health and wellbeing through small, positive lifestyle changes. For more information, please contact the Chichester District Wellbeing Team. The signs will go up in play parks in the following parishes within the Chichester District:
Signs will also go up in play parks owned by A2 Dominion and Hyde Martlet. |