Inequalities

Introduction

The use of tobacco is highest amongst our most disadvantaged communities, and is recognised as a major contributor to health, poverty and social inequalities in Scotland.  For this reason, inequality-focussed work remains a priority for our work - and has been for more than a decade. 

ASH Scotland is dedicated to working towards the provision of inclusive and accessible support for those wanting to address their smoking, as reflected in our Strategy for 2010-2015.

Our specific objectives around reducing tobacco-related inequalities are:

• to raise awareness of the issues and inequalities some communities across Scotland face in relation to tobacco and health;
• to establish good practice that can be disseminated and implemented across Scotland;
• to raise awareness, challenge preconceptions and stimulate positive change in policy and practice;
• to form partnerships that will increase capacity, maximise sustainability and keep tobacco and inequalities issues high on local and national agendas.

Our five areas of priority of work for the next five years will be:

• youth smoking prevention
• social change
• challenging poverty and inequalities
• smoking cessation
• partnerships.

If you (or the organisation you work for) would like to join us in tackling some of these issues, we would be delighted to hear from you - for example, our Development Officers can provide free tobacco awareness-raising sessions to community and voluntary organisations, to help start discussions on how smoking and tobacco use might impact their staff and service users. 

Click on these links to find out more about current and previous work relating to tobacco and inequalities.