Leverington School and Wisbech Primary Care Network work together on Stop Smoking campaign

Pupils at one primary school are doing their part in the fight against smoking in the town Fenland dubbed ‘England’s quitting capital’.

Leverington Primary School has taken a proactive stance in the fight against smoking by hosting a vibrant poster competition designed to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use.

The event, which saw enthusiastic participation from pupils, culminated in a prize-giving ceremony where the winners were presented with awards by Matthew Warren, manager of the Wisbech Primary Care Network.

The competition is part of a wider community effort led by the Wisbech Integrated Neighbourhood, a collaborative initiative that brings together health professionals, local authorities, and community organizations to address the high rates of smoking in the region.

With around 24.1% of Wisbech’s population identified as smokers, the town has one of the highest smoking rates in the UK, posing a significant public health challenge.

Matthew said: “This initiative is particularly important in light of Fenland’s recognition as ‘England’s quitting capital’ where a range of resources are available to support those trying to quit smoking.

“Local partners are working tirelessly to provide accessible help to those who want to make a positive change in their lives.”

During the awards ceremony, Matthew emphasised the importance of community involvement in the fight against smoking.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of the creativity displayed by the children at Leverington Primary.

“Their artwork not only demonstrates their understanding of the dangers of smoking but also their desire to contribute to the health and well-being of our community.”

Beyond the poster competition, the Wisbech Primary Care Network https://wisbechpcn.co.uk/ has also produced an educational video, available on YouTube, to further inform the public about the benefits of quitting smoking.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the campaign encourages residents to access support through Stop Smoking Wisbech, which provides information on local services and programs designed to assist individuals on their quitting journey. For more details, visit Stop Smoking Wisbech.

The collaborative efforts of the community, along with initiatives like the poster competition, serve as a reminder of the collective work needed to reduce smoking rates and improve public health in Wisbech and the surrounding areas.

For more information on quitting smoking, visit Stop Smoking Wisbech.