Bright Sparks - Dare to be Different

Young people do not want to be judged about smoking. Neither do they want to be bombarded with images of diseased organs and messages about cancer. However, it is clear that the anti smoking message is not working with this age group and smoking remains not only an acceptable habit but in some cases a desirable one and a symbol of belonging, being an adult and acceptance.

Drug and Alcohol Service for London (DASL) has been commissioned by Tower Hamlets PCT to run a pilot smoking cessation programme in schools. Three different programmes have been developed, which bring together elements of current best practice and are based on current research in smoking cessation, changing behaviours and harm reduction practices.

• Dare to be Different

Schools will have structured programmes and drop-ins, tailored for the smoking needs of all year groups in the school. Programmes will be relevant to the needs of young people living in Tower Hamlets, be broad and be open to understand why young people behave in a particular way.

The drop-in will include time to explore the reasons for smoking and other issues which are relevant for the young person. The drop-ins will involve consultations about smoking as well as provide interactive learning and facts about the harmful effects of smoking.

• Girls Talk (about smoking)

Girls Talk (about smoking) will support the physical and emotional well-being of young  women, through interactive group work. A ten week programme where young women can learn about health as well as exploring coping mechanisms and how smoking fits into the equation of coping with being young, female, ethnic and growing up in Tower Hamlets.

• Air Football Youth

AIR Football is an exciting new programme in London providing specialist five/seven/eleven-a-side football training for adults and young people with a desire to improve their quality of life and health and for young people who are engaged with anti-social behaviour, knife crime or addictive substances. It provides an opportunity to increase fitness, confidence, self-esteem, and uses team building skills to assist young people develop their goals. The football project will concentrate on the impact of smoking on health and work with young people in schools.

Find us on Facebook: Bright Sparks - Stop Smoking Project
Email us: brightsparks@dasl.org.uk
Call us: 0208 257 3068