COMMUNITY GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR A SMALL GRANT AND TAILORED SUPPORT TO REDUCE SMOKING HARMS FOR PAISLEY RESIDENTS

Community groups and small charities in Paisley are being invited to apply for a small grant and a package of tailored support to help local residents improve their mental, physical and financial wellbeing through addressing the harms caused by smoking.

The package of support is being offered by ASH Scotland, the charity taking action to reduce the harm caused by tobacco, as part of its initiative encouraging organisations to pledge support for Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation by 2034.

Successful applicants will have access to free expert advice, training and resources to increase their staff and volunteers’ knowledge of smoking issues, assistance in creating an action plan to deliver their charter pledges and a contribution of £500 to cover salary, travel or material costs associated with the project engaging with people in their community.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco continues to present a dangerous long-term threat to the health and lives of people in Paisley who smoke and research shows that two-thirds of smokers in Scotland say they would like to quit.

“Many people, however, are not sure where to start. ASH Scotland backs Scotland’s Quit Your Way approach and want to invite staff and volunteers in local organisations across Paisley committed to improving wellbeing in their communities to work with us to increase knowledge and develop opportunities around smoking and tobacco.

“We’re particularly encouraging applications for the small grant and support package from organisations in communities where people face the most challenges to good health, including mental ill-health or homelessness, young carers and people who are care experienced.”

For more details and to submit an application, go to www.ashscotland.org.uk/smallgrants or email: enquiries@ashscotland.org.uk.