A joint initiative between NHS Highland, the trading standards team of the Highland Council and Inverness College UHI has been recognised with a national award for their work to support Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco Free Generation initiative.
Under the initiative, led by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), it is planned to deliver a tobacco-free generation to Scotland by 2034.
A series of short films were produced and shared on social media by drama students from Inverness College UHI, which were viewed almost 11,000 times, alongside the placement of pavement vinyl stickers around the Highland capital to discourage adults from buying tobacco products for children and young people.
NHS Highland’s health improvement specialist Eve MacLeod, said: “We are delighted to secure recognition for our work to reduce the amount of tobacco-related harm in Highland.
“As a health board, we have a responsibility not only to treat people when they become unwell but to help keep them healthy.
“Our local young people have made their voices heard with these videos, and we are all really pleased with how well the campaign has been received. Working together in a collaborative way has helped to increase the reach of the campaign.”
Claire Kilburn-Young, wellbeing officer at Inverness College UHI said: “The students involved all excelled in their creativity and professionalism and we are extremely proud to see their work and that of the wellbeing team recognised.
“Inverness College UHI continues to work towards a tobacco-free campus as part of our Healthy University strategy with smoke-free outdoor events and other initiatives.”
Highland council trading standards manager David MacKenzie said: “We were happy to help the young people of the Highlands by supporting the #notafavour campaign and are delighted that the work carried out by the Highland Collaborative has been recognised nationally.”
