Minutes:
Kaye Mann – Public Health Senior Practitioner, was welcomed to the meeting. The Smoke Free campaign in Barnsley was a voluntary campaign to de-normalising smoking, and had been implemented in play parks, town centre zones and in markets.
The approach was now being rolled out to schools, and provided a whole school approach involving staff, young people, and parents. A toolkit and resources was provided to schools, which included signage. The initiative was voluntary, with positive messages, and without any enforcement. The aim was to make smoking invisible so that children never start.
Those present heard of the other benefits that may be seen, with decreased litter and the reduction in second hand smoke. Smoke free areas also provided support for those wishing to quit smoking.
The process was made as simple as possible for the schools to adopt, with all schools in the area now in receipt of the resources, with many already having agreed to support the campaign.
Members heard how smoking prevalence was reducing, and a smoke free generation was expected in 2025.
Members were asked to support the campaign, and encourage adoption in local schools.
Issues with staff at schools smoking in the vicinity were discussed, and it was noted that addressing this was part of the campaign.
Those present also discussed the issue of parents keeping their engines idling when parked near school, and the impact on air quality. It was noted that a pilot was underway to discourage this, and if successful would be rolled out more widely.
Smoke free parks were discussed, and it was noted that 24 key parks had adopted the scheme. Consultations were taking place regarding widening this from around the children’s play equipment to cover the whole park in certain communities.
Members commented on the damaged signage in Thurnscoe Park and it was agreed that this would be replaced as soon as possible.
RESOLVED:-
(i) That thanks be given for the presentation; and
(ii) That the Smoke Free Schools campaign be supported.