Articles aimed at strengthening non-smoking message; Tobacco Free Network steps up campaign to mark a decade of Smokers Helpline

Some people would argue that any reason to talk about quitting smoking is a good one and National Non-Smoking Week is better that most.

Bill Allan, chair of the Tobacco Free Network, said the group felt this year would be a good year to put a little extra effort in the media awareness campaign, especially considering this is the 10th anniversary of the Smokers' Helpline.

Starting Wednesday, The Western Star will bring you a series of articles about smoking. The first is called "Smoking in Schools/Radio Ad Contest" and is written by Bill Allan. It will be followed by "Quitting Is Contagious, Pass It On" by Tanya Matthews, "Smoker's Helpline" by Nikki Legge and "Movies and Tobacco" by Tanya Matthews and Julia Young.

The network is always looking to raise the profile of the smoking issue and help people to quit.

Allan says he is seeing a decrease in smoking by youth, so now is not the time to let up on the message.

In 1999 about 30 per cent of youth 15-19 reported they smoked. In the most recent study, the figure was down to 14 per cent for that age group. In the 20-24 age group, he hasn't seen the same decline, but he'd like to, so that may be an area where they'll focus more effort in the coming years.

"We're always trying to promote that smoke-free lifestyle message," he said. "We're looking to keep that ball rolling."