We are all aware of the risks relating to smoking and we all know smokers who wished they had never started. I'm therefore very pleased that the North East has seen the biggest reduction in smoking in the country.
The combined efforts of the NHS, councils and Fresh Smoke Free North East means more children have a future where they are not addicted to 20 a day at 15.
The latest figures make bittersweet reading. Last year was a record year for people quitting. But cancer-related death and disease drains the NHS of £5.2 billion a year in treatment costs and causes one in five deaths.
That's 15 people dying in the North East from smoking every day and for every death, many more with a painful or disabling smoking-related condition. You don't even need to ask someone in their 50s with emphysema if they're glad they started smoking, or whether they'd want their children to start.
The tobacco industry is putting its considerable resources into lobbying the new Government. It seeks to protect its rights to promote cigarettes through glossy displays. I urge anyone who wants to prevent children from smoking to sign the Cancer Research UK petition at
www.cancercampaigns.org.uk/ourcampaigns/tobacco/index.htm
A future where smoking is the exception rather than the norm is something to aspire to. But one thing is clear. If we take our foot off the pedal, we will see a return to the days of children smoking on every street corner.
I am also pleased to receive good news from the Gateshead Advice Centre which offers free, independent, confidential advice from experienced advisors on issues such as debt, housing, benefits, employment and other everyday problems
It aims to be as accessible as possible to the people of Gateshead and from 11 September, it will be extending its opening hours to include a drop in service every Saturday morning from 9 am until noon at 5/6 Regent Terrace - opposite Gateshead Civic Centre.
The office is also open from 9-5 every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 9 am until 8 pm every Thursday.
Anyone who lives or works in Gateshead is welcome to drop in to any of these sessions (no appointment is necessary).
For further information or advice, the main switchboard on 478 5100 or the advice line on 4771392, by texting 07786 206006 (and they will call you back). Their email is gateshead@communitylegaladvice.org.uk or they are on-line at www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/gateshead.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |