Smoke Free Care Placements for Looked After and Accommodated Children and Young People

Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable ill health and death in the UK. 30% of Glaswegians die from smoking related diseases, therefore efforts must be made to: encourage young people not to start smoking; support smokers who want to stop; and to protect young people from the damaging effects of passive smoking.
 
It is known that looked after and accommodated children and young people have a higher incidence of smoking compared to that of the general population. Therefore, in order to gain a greater insight, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, funded a two year pilot project to develop a smoking cessation service for looked after and accommodated children (LAAC).  The project have produced a report which identifies how care placements in Glasgow can and must do better in protecting children and young people from the adverse effects of passive smoking.

Glasgow City Council endorse a 'Smoke Free Workplace' policy in all Council premises, including children's residential units. Glasgow City Council do not condone smoking under any circumstances in these premises, and as a result of this report are actively working towards ensuring a positive, smoke free environment is provided for all looked after and accommodated children and young people in Glasgow.