Smokefree playparks: A common approach in Glasgow City?

Author and presenter:
Brenda Friel
Health Improvement Senior (Tobacco Control), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Smokefree Services, UK

Abstract
Thirty-four percent of the adult population in Glasgow City smoke, the highest prevalence in Scotland. In order to reduce this, a comprehensive approach is being taken that will set out to reduce the initiation and uptake of smoking, reduce the number of people who smoke and to protect the population from tobacco related harm.

An area of work that is currently being taken forward is smoking in playgrounds. Glasgow has had a smoke-free playground policy in place since 2006 and from a recent Glasgow survey, 84% support the ban however, there is a lack of awareness that the policy is in place. The rationale for the policy is to make smoking less visible to children which, as a consequence, will make smoking less socially acceptable and decrease the numbers of young people that start smoking.

In order increase awareness off and compliance with the policy a co-ordinating group has been established. The group aims to take this forward locally, using social marketing principles and meaningful community engagement. This approach is vital so that communities take local responsibility and ownership. The long term plan is to have all Glasgow City play parks smoke free by 2014. A presentation on processes involved and current achievements.

Source of funding: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenter
Brenda has worked within the area of tobacco for seven years. She has recently taken on a wider tobacco control remit in which she supports the development of tobacco activities across GGC. Brenda is currently taking forward a programme that aims to address smoking in the home by increasing awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke (SHS) and support the delivery and evaluation of SHS brief intervention training for key health professionals so they can effectively raise the issue of SHS in the home and support any behaviour change.