CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Not Around Us Project in county Louth
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Health Service Executive, Dundalk, Ireland
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Louth County Council, Dundalk, Ireland
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Dundalk FC, Dundalk, Ireland
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Health Promotion and Improvement, Health Service Executive, Leighsbrook Lane, Ireland
Publication date: 2025-06-23
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2025;23(Suppl 1):A521
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ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: The Not Around Us (NAU) Campaign, launched by Healthy Louth in collaboration with Dundalk FC and supported by the HSE, aims to reduce smoking and vaping, particularly among young people in Dundalk. The initiative focuses on raising awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke, denormalizing smoking for youth, and creating a supportive environment for quitting.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: The campaign engages with Dundalk FC to promote its message, with signage around the stadium and social media exposure to over 60,000 followers. Regular promotion on League Of Ireland TV ensures broad visibility as well as NAU merchandise used during children’s half time games. Additionally, the campaign has partnered with local schools through the `Tri Little Birds` programme, distributing workbooks that explain the importance of the NAU initiative. The World Cup of Football event, held at Oriel Park recently, provided a unique opportunity for students to play football while learning about the risks of smoking and vaping.
The Health Promotion team were invited to the event by Healthy Louth and Dundalk FC to discuss the dangers of smoking and vaping with over 150 students. A post-event evaluation showed an increase in students’ knowledge about these risks. Dundalk FC became the first League of Ireland team to join the NAU campaign, setting a precedent for other clubs to follow.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: The campaign has reached thousands through its high stadium attendance, social media, and school programs. It has helped raise awareness, educated young people, and promoted quitting tobacco. The NAU campaign has created a healthier, safer environment for the community, fostering support for those wishing to quit smoking or vaping and encouraging physical activity.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the Not Around Us Campaign has successfully engaged the community, particularly youth, in learning about the dangers of smoking and vaping, creating a lasting impact on both health awareness and behaviour.