A campaign
urging people to keep Hertsmere's play areas smoke free has launched with the
unveiling of a new poster.
Young people from across the borough were invited to take part in a competition
to design the poster aimed at promoting a voluntary smoking ban across all
Hertsmere Borough Council-owned parks.
The winning creation by Summerswood Primary School (Borehamwood) pupil Ellen
Hayes was unveiled at a presentation ceremony on Thursday 13 July at
Aberford Park playground attended by councillors, officers and family members.
Also at the event were runners up Bella Radley and Olivia Mgbor, both from
Ladbrooke JMI School in Potters Bar.
The poster will appear in parks across the borough with contact details for the
Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service.
Hopes are the initiative, led by the council and supported by the Hertsmere
Health and Wellbeing Partnership and NHS Hertfordshire, will discourage people
from lighting up where children may be affected.
Breathing in second-hand smoke is particularly harmful for children. It can
cause an increased risk of asthma, meningitis, respiratory conditions like
bronchitis, coughs and colds, and cot death.
Children
learn behaviour from adults and are three times more likely to take up smoking
themselves if they grow up in a smoking household.
Ellen's design was chosen from around 40 entries by Cllr Clapper. As her
prize, 10-year-old Ellen won two family tickets to Willows Activity Farm, an A3
copy of her poster and a goody bag.
The runners up each received an A4 copy of their poster and goodie bags.
Stickers will also be going up encouraging visitors to stub out their
cigarettes when in and around play areas.
If you need help to stop smoking you can get support from Hertfordshire Stop
Smoking Service on 0800 389 3 998, or text SMOKEFREE to 80818. The service can
offer advice and appointments with trained stop smoking advisors who offer
effective behavioural advice and tips to manage cravings.
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