It's No Smoking every day at our children's centres

But every day will be a No Smoking Day at all nine Central Bedfordshire Council children’s centres after they signed up to Kick Ash – a smoking prevention programme aimed at young people.

In addition to banning smoking anywhere on the premises, the project promotes a ‘proud to be smoke-free’ message to children to discourage them from starting to smoke when they are older.

Kick Ash also aims to educate families about the dangers of second-hand cigarette smoke which puts children at risk of conditions including cancer and respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Shefford & District Children’s Centre manager Kirsty Maxwell said: “The work we do and the services we provide aim to give a child the very best start in life - and we think that should mean a smoke-free start.

“We’ll be working with children and their families to raise awareness of the harnful effects of smoking and to encourage them to make their homes and cars smoke-free for everyone’s good health.”

> Statitistics reveal that two thirds of smokers start before the age of 18.