Andrea Crossfield Chief Executive, Healthier Futures, Manchester
Abstract
Smokefree Summer 2015 - an innovative campaign co-ordinated by Healthier Futures (formerly Tobacco Free Futures) which aimed to:
- Increase the number of smokefree, healthy spaces and events across Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Merseyside
- Increase support for smokefree events amongst the public and local decision-makers
- Educate smokers and non-smokers about the benefits of healthy smokefree community spaces
The campaign built on the momentum for a wider social movement of increasing the number of smokefree family-friendly events, helping to further denormalise smoking for future generations. Messaging was anti-smoking, not anti-smoker. Stop smoking services were present to support potential quitters.
Survey work across participating areas ascertained levels of public support for smokefree outdoor spaces, specifically where children are present. Of 1,300 people surveyed in Greater Manchester and Cheshire & Merseyside, 83% supported smokefree events for children and families. Only 6% opposed.
After careful consideration and taking into account all current available evidence it was decided to allow the use of e-cigarettes at Smokefree Summer events.
This presentation will provide an outline of the rationale, design and delivery of the campaign and will examine the following areas of evaluation:
- Impact of campaign
- Areas of learning
- Potential for further development
Source of funding: Smokefree Summer was funded and delivered as part of wider tobacco control programmes commissioned by 18 local authorities
Declaration of interest: Healthier Futures (formerly Tobacco Free Futures) is not linked to the tobacco industry or its subsidiaries and has never received any tobacco industry funding. There are no conflicts of interest relating to this campaign or presentation.
