Wexford’s countywide ‘Not Around Us’ campaign commences this week with a call for young people and their supporting organisations to get involved in Healthy Wexford’s latest initiative to create outdoor smoke and vape-free spaces for young people. The Wexford ‘Not Around Us’ initiative is an ask from young people to consider your behaviour when in places where they are. New ‘Not Around Us’ branding, signage and video material has been created by members of Wexford’s Comhairle na nÓg, supported by the campaign working group, chaired by Cllr John Hegarty, and including a range of high profile collaborating organisations.

Fourteen-year-old Rían Doyle of Wexford’s Comhairle na nÓg told how,

“We made a video to encourage groups to sign up to the Not Around Us campaign. This is an invitation to create smoke and vape-free areas for young people. I encourage groups to get involved by using the sign-up link and follow the instructions from there. Join us in growing the #NotAroundUs message”.

Not Around Us in Wexford is a partnership and collaboration led by Healthy Wexford and supported by Wexford County Council, the HSE, Wexford Children and Young Person Services, WWETB, Wexford LCDC, FDYS, Sports Active Wexford, Wexford GAA, Leinster Rugby, Wexford FAI and Wexford’s Comhairle na nÓg. The initiative is funded by the Healthy Ireland Fund, with additional support from Wexford County Council.

Annette Dupuy, Wexford County Council’s Healthy County Co-Ordinator said.

“We are really excited about this campaign. It has its own unique Wexford slant in that the materials have been designed here and we are asking groups and organisations to really discuss and consult with young people before pledging to the campaign. This means that there will actively be conversations happening all over the county and ultimately as a county, we will have a network of healthy areas, chosen in consultation with young people, where they can be free from smoking and vaping.”

“Initially we are asking all not-for-profit and public organisations that have children and young people engaged with their facility/space to get involved. As we progress we will ask the wider businesses community to join us on the campaign. The steps to take are all clearly set out online, along with the link to pledge your organisations support. When a group pledges support Healthy Wexford will provide them with a Supporters Pack including a charter to display, window stickers, and outdoor signage for their premises. Organisations interested in more information should search the #NotAroundUS hashtag through the @HealthyWexford social media handles from today and click on our webpage www.bit.ly/NotAroundUs ”.

Chair of Wexford’s Healthy County Committee and the Working Group, Cllr John Hegarty commented,

“This step forward with Not Around Us in Wexford will ensure the message coming from young people is heard and visual to all once implemented. While we have provided information on supports to quit it’s not about quitting smoking but about us listening to the request to respect open spaces and places particularly where children and young people train, hang out and play. Our collective efforts will hopefully create a culture of support and caring for oneself and those around us.”

“Not Around Us is an ask, not a direction by young people to their peers and community. I will be urging local clubs and premises in my area to be among the first pledged to implement the campaign across County Wexford. It is paramount that the environments in which we live, grow, learn, work, and play in are protective of their health and wellbeing. It is fantastic to lead and see the collaborative effort involved, all in the name of a healthier Wexford. I encourage all organisations where children and young people are likely to frequent to begin the conversation, sign up online and support this initiative. By doing so, you become tobacco and vape-free ambassadors to the benefit of generations to come. As a group we look forward to promoting and publicising those who take the pledge over the coming year”.