Press releases

May 30 2007

Anti-Smoking Youth Group Celebrates First Anniversary

Young members of ATYC (Anti Tobacco Youth Campaign) celebrated their first anniversary by holding a showcase event in Williamson Square to raise awareness of smoking and tobacco issues among young people.

ATYC members hit the streets armed with mobile phone charms and pocket mirrors which ask young people to think about the dangers of smoking. They also quizzed their peers on their attitudes towards tobacco advertising, the findings of which will be sent to the government.

In the UK, approximately 450 young people start smoking every day. About 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are regular smokers by the age of 15. Two-thirds of teenage smokers say they would find it hard to go without cigarettes for a week.

Local band Studio Impact opened the event and were followed by a drama and dance routine performed by Ormskirk School girls. Local DJ ‘Pistol Dawn’ aka Jake Cureton rounded off the day with a live set.

ATYC is a scheme run by young people for young people. It was launched one year ago today, World No Tobacco Day, by The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. ATYC is designed to give young people a voice and arm them with the knowledge and skills to tackle issues around smoking and the tobacco industry.
There are active ATYC groups in Liverpool, Salford, Widnes and Ormskirk. First year achievements include:

• Signed Everton FC and Manchester United as supporters
• Launched an interactive website – www.roycastle.org/atyc
• Presented to Cherie Booth QC
• Designed and developed resources for young people and professionals
• Developed performances around the second-hand smoke issue
• Led demonstrations outside the British American Tobacco (BAT) AGM in London to raise awareness about how BAT promotes brands to young people across the world

The young people also launched, ‘Whatever…’ a new documentary-style short film based on real-life experiences of school pupils at Ormskirk School.

‘Whatever…’ was made by a group of young smokers and non-smokers and aims to challenge young people’s views on smoking. It will be shown in schools across the region and feature in a national youth stop smoking campaign.

The film presents issues from the perspective of young teenagers in a style that would resonate with their own lives. Scenes highlight real life situations and emotions recalled by young smokers, such as alienation from friends and family and signs of early health problems.

Kay Fairclough (15), ATYC member and film star, said: “’Whatever…’ was a really informative project to be a part and it was a brilliant experience.”

Lisa Gill, youth project manager for The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “ATYC members are not influenced on what to think or say. They are presented with facts and issues and left to make their own mind up.

“’Whatever…’ fits perfectly as it looks at issues which might affect young people and addresses them in a way which is realistic and accessible.”
“Our plans for Year 2 include recruit new members, deliver peer to peer education workshops and to raise awareness of the age limit to buy cigarettes being raised to 18 in October.”
ATYC encourages all young people to log on, have a say and make a difference at www.roycastle.org/atyc. To order a copy of ‘Whatever…’ contact The Stop Smoking Service on 01695 598416.
ENDS

Media enquiries:

Contact Chris Dolan on 0161 238 9424 / 07770 886 919 / cdolan@webershandwick.com

NOTES TO EDITOR

ATYC is supported by Big Lottery funding and is backed by The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the only charity in the UK wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer. The Foundation also runs a children’s website called KATS (Kids Against Tobacco Smoke) which aims to educate children about the dangers of smoking in order to help them come to a personal decision not to smoke.

To get involved and have your say, log on to www.roycastle.org/atyc

“Whatever” was written by Liverpool playwright Chris Ball and filmed / edited at Leeds University.