YouthBorders becomes 400th organisation supporting a Tobacco-free Generation

Monday 10^th May 2021 for immediate release  

NEWS RELEASE  

YouthBorders becomes 400^th organisation supporting a Tobacco-free Generation  

Susan Hunter, Chief Officer of YouthBorders, was today proud to become the 400^th organisation to endorse Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-Free Generation. 

The Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation is an initiative by health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland to help deliver a tobacco-free generation by 2034 – this means to protect all children and aim for those born after 2013 to remain free from tobacco as they grow up.  The Charter inspires organisations to make pledges and take action to reduce the harm caused by tobacco.  

YouthBorders is the network of youth organisations in the Scottish Borders and work together with the local youth work sector to improve the lives of young people.   

They are joining an esteemed list of organisations that have already backed the Charter including Public Health Scotland, Scottish Student Sport, CHAS, Lothian Association of Youth Clubs and Turning Point Scotland.  

Susan Hunter, YouthBorders said: 

“We are pledging our support as this Charter is in keeping with our aim of improving the lives of young people living in the Borders.  We know that smoking prevalence is still high amongst 16-24 year olds but also amongst those with a mental health issue.  So on this Mental Health Awareness week we want to pledge our support and highlight the role addressing tobacco use can play in improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing”

Although smoking prevalence has gradually decreased over time, it remains stubbornly high amongst those with a mental health issue.  75% of mental health problems develop before the age of 24 and early intervention for protecting mental health is recognised as an approach to foster future wellbeing and resilience.  

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: 

“We are delighted to now have 400 organisations across Scotland who have pledged support and are taking action in the fight against tobacco and the harmful effects it has on children and young people. We want to future proof children and young people from both tobacco use and tobacco industry manipulation and our charter supporters taking action plays a key part in achieving this” 

ASH Scotland are encouraging organisations from across all sectors to get behind this important initiative and work towards a generation free from tobacco. To pledge support visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/charter  

ENDS  

For further information please contact:  

ASH Scotland at enquiries@ashscotland.org.uk  

YouthBorders at susan@youthborders.org.uk   

Notes for Editors  

Further information on Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco Free Generation can be found at www.ashscotland.org.uk/charter  

Further information on YouthBorders can be found at www.youthborders.org.uk