Students are nominating their peers to spread smoking prevention messages.

ASSIST is the title of the programme funded by Nottinghamshire County Council’s public health tobacco control team, which is being delivered by the council’s youth service.

Programme leaders are working with four schools on the innovative scheme, including ­— Sutton Academy, Kirkby College and The Brunts Academy, Mansfield.

At each school, 12 and 13-year-olds nominate fellow students to take part in the programme. The most influential 18% of students are invited to spend two days being trained as peer supporters.
Those selected then pass on information to their friends by learning powerful messages and facts around the dangers of smoking and the benefits of being smoke free, through a range of interactive games and engaging sessions.

The sessions are delivered by Sarah Marlow and her team of youth workers and positive feedback has been received from teachers and pupils taking part.

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, chairman of the council’s public health committee, said: “We are pleased to have funded this innovative campaign. Between 2012 and 2014, an average of just under 7,000 residents a year died from smoking-related causes across the East Midlands.

“This scheme will help young people to promote positive anti-smoking messages to their peers., It is another great example of the work we are doing within our communities that helps to protect the health and wellbeing of young people across the county.”

Councillor Liz Plant, vice-chairman of the children and young people’s committee, at the council, said: “ASSIST is an excellent idea. Young people choose others in their year groups who they look up to and feel influenced by, and they return from these education programmes with some fascinating facts about the dangers of smoking on long term health to share with their friends.” We hope the scheme can be extended to other schools in the county.”

It is hoped a further 18 schools will take part.