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£1500 in prize money available for youth groups tackling tobacco as Crofton Award enters second year

30 August 2010

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), in partnership with ASH Scotland, today opened applications for the 2010 Crofton Award, the only award that recognises the achievements of young people in reducing tobacco and smoking-related harm in Scotland. With prize money of £1500 to be shared between two groups, this unique award contributes towards the development of new ideas and innovation by and for young people themselves. Launching the opening of the 2010 awards, Tom Bell, Chief Executive of REHIS said:

"I am delighted to be launching the Crofton Award again on behalf of REHIS. We want to recognise the contribution than many young people play in tackling tobacco in Scotland. As we saw from the 2009 award, their ideas are innovative and imaginative and I believe it's important to support their work and recognise their vital contribution.

"15,000 young people in Scotland take up smoking every year. The addictive nature of tobacco means it is all too easy to get hooked to this lethal habit. Young people are also a target as replacements for the smokers who quit or die each year. So to see what young people themselves are doing to stop that recruitment and to encourage young smokers to quit should be applauded. REHIS is delighted to do that through the Crofton Award.

"Young people know how best to engage with their peers and can often be some of the best communicators with adults too. I was impressed with the 2009 winners' commitment to tackling a habit that can - and has - harmed their friends and family."

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy added:

"The winners in 2009 both used their prize money towards new work raising awareness about the harm tobacco causes and to make young people think about the issues surrounding tobacco. In addition, the young people of both groups have said that winning the Crofton prizes has helped them feel rewarded for their hard work and increased their confidence and enthusiasm in the work they are doing.

"This year the Crofton Award is also looking for groups who have just become involved or would like to get involved in reducing the harm caused by smoking in their area. This year there will be a Best Newcomer prize which will award a group of young people who have ideas for how to tackle tobacco for the first time.

"REHIS are generously providing £1500 for the Crofton Award. The winner will receive £1000 and the best newcomer £500. This money will be awarded to the groups to put towards the plans they outline in their application. ASH Scotland is delighted to be a partner in such a worthy recognition of young people's dedication, commitment and achievements in tackling smoking."