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Ulster Cancer Foundation Launch National Clean Air Awards
By Derval Keenan, 2/24/2006 9:00:25 AM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) today launched the National Clean Air Awards for Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
The National Clean Air Awards was established by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and is a UK-wide scheme. The Awards recognise and reward employers who have implemented effective smoke-free policies.
UCF will co-ordinate the scheme locally, offering advice and assistance to any organisation wanting to develop and implement a successful smoke-free policy.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, The National Clean Air Awards will bring many benefits to businesses across Northern Ireland in the run up to the introduction of smoke-free legislation in April 2007. Registering for an award not only demonstrates an employers commitment to protecting the health of their employees and customers but it can also boost staff morale and increase productivity.
Additionally when an organisation receives a National Clean Air Award, their details will be included in a directory on the Awards website (www.cleanairaward.org.uk). This directory is used by individuals worldwide, often by prospective visitors and potential customers and will therefore have great benefits for any business.
The National Clean Air Awards, which will be presented to local companies by UCF, represents a simple and co-ordinated approach to recognising the achievements of smoke-free businesses.
Speaking at the launch, Tina Williams, National Clean Air Award Manager said, "The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is delighted to be working in partnership with UCF once again to support employers to meet the forthcoming legislation. More than 1,500 organisations throughout the UK currently hold the National Clean Air Award and we are looking forward to increasing this figure.
UCF will be working with a wide range of professional groups throughout Northern Ireland to promote the Award to local businesses.
Gary McFarlane, Director of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health said, We welcome todays launch of the National Clean Air Awards and the opportunity to work in partnership with UCF to improve the health of local workers and encourage improved health and safety measures in local business.
Environmental health practitioners within the local government sector in NI have already been involved in promoting the concept of smoke-free workplaces ahead of the introduction of the ban. This award, which is endorsed by CIEH at national level, will greatly assist in that ongoing work, and assist in building both compliance and public awareness ahead of the impending smoke free legislation. It will also be a great way to celebrate the achievements of those organisations and businesses with the courage, foresight and conscience to do so.
Any organisation, large or small, which has implemented or is planning to implement a smoke-free policy can apply for an Award. For further information, please contact Anne Devlin at UCF on 028 9066 3281.
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For further information please contact:
Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9066 3281 / 07812 525531
Notes to Editors:
At the launch, National Clean Air Awards were presented to:
- Coleraine District Council
- The Diamond Expresso, Magherafelt
- Northern Group Systems
- Southern Health & Social Services Board
- Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Lurgan
- Pizza Hut, Dungannon
- Downshire Camping and Caravaning, Banbridge
- Belfast City Council
- The Clubhouse and Restaurant at Castlereagh Hills Golf Club
- Menarys, Bangor
- Ulster Hospital and Community Trust
- Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast
- The Sandwich Company, Derry
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