Stoptober 2024

You will be aware of the recent government announcement of Stopping the Start; creating a smokefree generation 2030, we hope your school can be part of the solution.

The Smokefree School Gates initiative is part of Oxfordshire’s Smokefree Strategy which helps to create and promote smokefree environments for the county’s children and young people. It will help to protect them from the harms of second-hand smoke, and to de-normalise smoking.

In Oxfordshire alone, approximately 886 children take up smoking each year, and those who have family who smoke are 3 times more likely to start. Oxfordshire County Council have created a toolkit to help schools to implement this initiative, including a model policy, examples of designs for smokefree school gates signage, letters to parents, and FAQs. Schools can receive free Very Brief Advice (VBA) training, to help families who want to quit start their smokefree journey.

Funding for signage and one-off smokefree events, for up to £1000, can also be applied for through our Smokefree Community Fund. 

If your school would like to get involved, check out the toolkit or if you have any questions please email us at smokefreeoxon@oxfordshire.gov.uk