Hopwood Hall College goes totally smoke-free!

Hopwood Hall College logo

Hopwood Hall College will go completely smoke-free on Friday 1 August, when a ban on lighting up anywhere on college grounds at either Rochdale or Middleton campus will be introduced. By creating a tobacco-free environment the college aims to encourage students and staff to stop smoking or prevent them from starting, as part of the borough’s commitment to make Rochdale a healthier place to live, work and learn.

Opting for a total ban was a decision made by students, staff and union representatives who have been involved in a detailed consultation process since last spring, with the support of Rochdale Borough Council’s Environmental Health and Licensing Service.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member for Health and Social Care recently visited the college to present Principal Derek O’Toole with certificates to mark the occasion and highlight the college’s commitment to encourage healthier lifestyles. On receiving the certificates Mr O’Toole said:

“As an organisation that encourages young people to fulfil their learning potential, we felt it appropriate to protect them against the effects of smoking and second hand smoke to promote health and well being. We have been working in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and the Primary Care Trust to get the initiative up and running, which includes offering a smoking cessation service and training staff as stop smoking advisors.”

Lisa Barker, Rochdale Borough Council’s Tobacco-Free Project Leader has worked with college representatives throughout the consultation process. Ms Barker said:

“It really is excellent news that the college has decided to go beyond what the Smoke Free legislation calls for, making not only the college buildings smoke-free, but also the grounds too. For an institution like Hopwood Hall to take a step such as this really strives to help ‘de-normalise’ smoking and takes away its appeal, especially to young people.”

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member for health and social care on Rochdale Borough Council: “I’m pleased that Hopwood Hall College has gone completely smoke-free and is promoting healthy lifestyles to staff, students and visitors. Smoking cessation is one of the key parts of our health and well-being strategy so it is very encouraging to see a workplace and public facility such as Hopwood Hall supporting this and helping to improve the borough’s health for future generations.”

The smoking ban saw its first anniversary on 1st July and the borough’s stop smoking service, TASK (Think Act Stop Kick), has helped 2109 people to stop smoking in the last year. For advice and support on how you can quit contact the team on 01706 708000.

For more information about the smoke-free legislation, visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk