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ULSTER CANCER FOUNDATION’S AWARD-WINNING PACK SET FOR SCHOOLS
By Derval Keenan, 11/10/2004 3:27:43 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation’s (UCF) new pack for primary six and seven teachers, designed to help them tackle the topic of smoking has won a Scope Communication Award from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action - the only awards in Northern Ireland to recognise communication skills in the voluntary and community sector.
The pack was created by Judith West, Cancer Prevention Officer, UCF, who said, “I am very grateful for the foresight of the Western Health and Social Services Board in commissioning these materials. Also thanks to the support of all four Health and Social Services Boards, primary schools right across Northern Ireland will soon be provided with free copies of the resource.”
Smoking prevention is a core element of the work of UCF, a local cancer charity. Since 1988 UCF has offered free membership of its Smokebusters Club to all primary six and seven classes in Northern Ireland. Membership of the Smokebusters Club runs from September to June and the usual club activity packs are supplied in three packs over the course of the academic year, including newsletters, stickers, classroom display materials and background notes for teachers. To give schools that extra incentive to join, they should be aware that by becoming members they will have the opportunity to enter Smokebusters competitions and participate in special events.
In September every primary school’s health education co-ordinator will be receiving an invitation to enrol their primary six and seven classes. Judith West added, “Membership applications for Smokebusters Club 2004/05 are now being accepted. We would be especially pleased to register classes from schools which have not previously joined the club, as well as any whose teachers faithfully enrol their nine to eleven year olds every year. We strive to provide the best possible resources for both pupils and teachers. It is a shame that some classes miss out – after all, there is no charge. Children need to have the smoking prevention message reinforced in both primary six and seven to help them in secondary school when faced with pressures to experiment with this highly addictive and deadly habit. The teachers’ pack is a practical way to help teachers find the time and an appropriate means of delivering information about smoking to our target age group which can be used in conjunction with the usual club resources.”
Last year the Smokebusters Club attracted almost 26000 members and UCF hope that 2004/05 is another bumper year. For further information about the Smokebusters Club and other cancer prevention initiatives please contact Judith West at UCF on 028 90492 007, e-mail: judithwest@ulstercancer.org or alternatively log onto ulstercancer.org/aboutucf/smokebusters.htm
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For further information please contact Derval Keenan, PR and Events Officer on 028 9049 2007 or dervalkeenan@ulstercancer.org
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