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Ulster Cancer Foundation Help Young People Stop Smoking
By Derval Keenan, 6/2/2004 3:24:06 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has launched a pilot project, which offers a co-ordinated holistic approach to smoking cessation with young people in the North Down and Ards Trust area.
The UCF have been providing support and advice to people trying to stop smoking for over 25 years and have increasingly targeted this support to young people. The aim of this project is to offer young people information and support about stopping smoking in a non-judgemental and informal way, in a context where they will feel comfortable.
Funded by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board this project offers a multi-disciplinary approach, which provides training for teachers, school nurses, youth and community workers and health and social service staff within the district.
Speaking at a two-day smoking cessation course in Ards Community Hospital, Carol-Ann Hewitt, Youth Smoking Project Co-ordinator, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“This pilot project will ensure that whichever direction young people in the North Down and Ards Trust area turn, they will receive motivation, advice and support from trained professionals to help them give up smoking successfully. I will be available to support all these professionals and to support young people face to face.?”
?“Much of our smoking cessation and prevention work has been carried out with young people in schools or in a youth setting. We feel there is much to be gained from this as young people feel more comfortable asking questions in their own environment.?”
Smoking Cessation training was provided by Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation who said, ?“A recent study shows that 61 out of every 100 smokers regretted starting to smoke because of health reasons, and other reasons included the expense of buying cigarettes, addiction, disgust and social stigma.
?“Every year in Northern Ireland, smoking causes 2,800 deaths from cancer and other illnesses. The health benefits from giving up begin within 20 minutes of stopping, and will greatly increase over the years.?”
For further information please contact, Carol-Ann Hewitt, Youth Smoking Project Co-ordinator, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 07711 452968.
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For further information please contact Nicola Smyth, PR Manager, Ulster Cancer Foundation, on Tel: 028 9066 3281 or mobile: 07703 321643
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