Crofton Award 2011 launched - youth groups have chance to share 1500 pounds for projects tackling tobacco

17 August 2011

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS), in partnership with ASH Scotland, has today [17 August 2011] opened applications for the 2011 Crofton Award, the only award that recognises the achievements of young people in reducing tobacco and smoking-related harm in Scotland. Now in its third year, this award gives two youth groups the chance to share prize money of £1500. Launching the 2011 Crofton Award, Tom Bell, Chief Executive of REHIS said:

“This unique award contributes towards the development of new ideas and innovation by and for young people themselves. Over the past two years since the awards initial launch, we have had four excellent youth groups share a total of £3000. This prize money has of course helped the groups develop their projects, but more than that; winning the Crofton Award has given the young people a boost in their self esteem and confidence, just as the work we are assessing has done.

“The judging panel has been able to see that working on tobacco projects increases the confidence and understanding of young people in a variety of tobacco issues including farming, marketing, smoking, addiction, role of the media, and the health impacts of tobacco. We see the sense of pride that the young people have in their work and achievements and we want to recognise this motivation and enthusiasm.

“We have been delighted to see a range of innovative ideas and I am delighted than REHIS is continuing to support the Crofton Award in partnership with ASH Scotland. We want to recognise and support the contribution than many young people play in tackling tobacco in Scotland.”

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy added:

“REHIS is again 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 applications. ASH Scotland is delighted to be a partner in such a worthy recognition of young people’s dedication, commitment and achievements in tackling smoking.

“I have been delighted to see previous winners use their prize money to continue their work and take forward tobacco control and smoking prevention on their own terms. There is no doubt that there are many projects being run by and for young people which discuss the important issues of tobacco and smoking and I’m delighted the Crofton Award recognises and rewards those efforts. I look forward to seeing what this year’s applications will bring.”

Case studies from last year’s winners Bridges Project and Golspie Youth Action Project and further information about the Crofton Award is available here.