Ash Wales Communicate, Collaborate, Celebrate; Conference 2010

Plenary Speakers

Ms. Charlotte LuntYouth Advocacy Manager - Smokefree North West

Abstract Title: Youth Participation and Advocacy in Tobacco Control

The Smoke & Mirrors Project started in 2009 taking inspiration from the Truth Campaign in Florida. Whilst being a region wide initiative the project has worked with young people throughout the region and in partnership with existing anti-tobacco youth groups.

The aims of the project are to encourage young people to ‘see through the illusion’ to the practices of the tobacco industry in targeting young people to be their future customers, which it does in a young person focused way. It also encourages young people to take action against the industry.

Young people take a significant role within the project providing direction and developments, as well as undertaking their own self directed anti-tobacco projects.

This presentation will focus on the work and experiences of the young people from the anti-tobacco groups across the North West and who are also part of the Smoke & Mirrors Project Action Group.

Author Biography:

Charlotte Lunt has been working with Smokefree North West since October 2009 leading on the Smoke & Mirrors project. She has considerable experience of working with young people in a variety of settings, and has been a professional youth worker for a number of years.

She has worked in the field of youth participation for the last 3 years including work supporting members of the Youth Parliament.

The young people who are presenting have an established history in youth anti-tobacco groups, and in youth participation.