Active Tameside becomes first leisure provider to become completely smokefree

On 1st September 2019, Active Tameside will be turning all of its centres and premises smokefree, making it the first leisure provider to be completely smokefree in Tameside.

The move means that all smoking, including vaping, will not be permitted at any Active Tameside centre or outdoor area, including pitches, courts, side-lines, cars, car parks and all areas within each site’s perimeter.

Chris Rushton, Chief Executive at Active Tameside, said: “We are committed to improving the health of customers and want to distance Active Tameside from a behaviour that harms health and kills.

“Smokefree spaces help to denormalise smoking and protect children and young people from smoking behaviour. We feel that going smokefree is the right step to take and we hope that other sports clubs and facilities in Tameside will do the same.”

Smoking facts:

·         Smoking is the biggest cause of health inequalities in Tameside.

·         One in two long-term smokers will die of a smoking related disease.

·         In Tameside over 30,000 residents are smokers and at risk of disease and early death; approximately 460 people die each year of a smoking related disease.

·         In Greater Manchester a new child starts to smoke every hour.

Active Tameside will be partnering with Be Well Tameside to provide their staff and customers with support and guidance to stop smoking. A Smokefree Policy will also be provided to give customers a clear understanding of what the change means for them. If anyone has any concerns regarding the change, they can email: hello@activetameside.com for more information.