Advisor Visits Sports Clubs and Scouting Groups to Promote a Smoke-Free Generation
A smoke-free generation. That is the goal of the municipality of Voorschoten. To educate as many young people as possible about the harmful effects of smoking, a consultant from Sportief Besteed Groep (SBG) will begin reaching out in April to all 45 sports clubs and Scouting groups in Voorschoten that are interested in participating.
Every week, hundreds of children in the Netherlands still light up their first cigarette. This is also the case in Voorschoten, confirms Hecht of GGD Hollands Midden. In 2021, 3.4% of high school students smoked weekly. That is an increase compared to 2019. At that time, 2.7% of that group smoked. 4% even used marijuana or hashish. These alarming figures can be found at egezonderhollandsmidden.nl.
#smoke-free generation
Alderman Paul de Bruijn is also concerned. “The easiest way to avoid smoking is to never start. All the more reason for us to champion this cause. As a municipality, we’re doing this, for example, by posting ‘no smoking’ signs at playgrounds. We’re also highlighting World No Tobacco Day on May 31, using the hashtag #smoke-free generation.”
The municipality cannot solve this problem on its own. The alderman said, “That’s why we’ve enlisted SBG’s help. At our request, a consultant will call or email all of the sports and Scouting clubs in Voorschoten. Together, we’re working toward more smoke-free environments and, above all, a healthier mindset.”
No Smoking Signs
During the initial contact, the SBG advisor informs the director or manager of the association or club about the steps to take toward creating a smoke-free environment. Topics discussed include, for example, why a smoke-free environment is important, how far the association or club has already progressed, what tools are available, how to deal with resistance, and how to build support.
After the initial contact, the association or club can get started on its own using the materials provided by the Smoke-Free Generation. If desired, an in-person consultation will be held to determine the approach to creating a smoke-free area and to make this visible, for example, with stickers and smoke-free signs.
Vitality Agreement and National Prevention Agreement
Smoke-Free Generation is an initiative of the Dutch Heart Foundation, the Dutch Lung Foundation, and the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). Hecht GGD Hollands Midden is carrying out the campaign in collaboration with the municipality. The municipality of Voorschoten is funding the proactive outreach to sports clubs and scouting groups. The on-site guidance provided by the advisor is funded by the municipality of Voorschoten for scouting clubs and by national JOGG Teamfit funds for sports clubs. As a result, this support is provided free of charge.
A smoke-free environment is one of the key areas addressed by the Vitality Agreement in Voorschoten, as part of our efforts to foster a healthy generation. At the same time, we are aligning with the goals of the National Prevention Agreement: to make all sports clubs smoke-free by 2025!