Norma Cronin, Quitline manager with the Irish Cancer Society explained “Given that smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer, the Irish Cancer Society places particular emphasis on smoking cessation.  We are delighted that Galway United FC are supporting this initiative and we would encourage smokers to take a positive step and call the National Smokers’ Quitline for advice and support.”

There have been 63,377 callers to the National Smokers’ Quitline since it was established in November 2003. A survey of 1,200 callers found that 33% of callers had quit smoking for 6 months and 22% had quit smoking for 1 year after they first called the Quitline. Over half (56.5%) of callers who contacted the Quitline stated it had made it easier for them to quit.

“While many smokers can give up smoking without any support, many others would benefit from additional advice or support. Availing of resources such as the Quitline can have a significant impact on the rate of success”, said Fiona Donovan, Coordinator of the Galway Healthy Cities Project.

If you would like advice, information and support with quitting, you can call the National Smokers’ Quitline (CallSave 1850 201 203, open 8am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday). The National Smokers’ Quitline is run by the Health Services Executive (HSE) in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society. 

- Ends -

For more information contact

Fiona Donovan, Galway Healthy Cities Coordinator - 091 548518

Notes to Editor

1. Galway Healthy Cities

Galway Healthy Cities is a partnership initiative working to improve the health and wellbeing of people living and working in Galway City. The WHO European Healthy Cities Network is a formal network of nearly 80 cities that are committed to improve health and tackle inequalities. Its role is to test new approaches to improving health, develop and encourage joined up working between organisations and share experiences across Europe. www.galwayhealthycities.ie

2. European Healthy Stadia Programme

The European Healthy Stadia Programme is a pilot programme funded by the European Union in the framework of the Public Health Programme.

A healthy stadium is one which promotes the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community. It is a place where people can go to have a healthy experience playing or watching sport and which supports positive opportunities in its surrounding communities.

There are eight countries involved in the pilot phase of the Healthy Stadia programme. These countries are England, Finland, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Poland, Greece and Ireland. Four countries have been selected to test and implement the programme. These are Ireland (represented by Galway City), Spain, Latvia and Finland.

The healthy stadia programme is being led by the Galway Healthy Cities Forum, which is part of the City Development Board. The following sports clubs and stadia are involved in the programme. Stadia and clubs involved in Galway are Pearse Stadium Galway, Connacht Rugby, Galway Greyhound Stadium, Salthill Devon FC, Galway United FC, Mervue United FC, Galway Bay Sailing Club  

Each stadia develops an action plan to focus on social, environmental and lifestyle initiatives. Examples include providing healthy food options, displaying health promoting messages on programmes and around grounds and promoting active travel to matches.

The actions outlined in the plan on social, environmental and lifestyle issues are implemented. The stadia records and evaluates initiatives and tells their ‘story’. This will help to develop models of good practice for stadia across Europe.
 
The results provided by each stadia involved in the pilot phase (Ireland, Latvia, Spain and Finland) will be presented at the International Healthy Stadia Conference in Liverpool, September 2009. Representatives from sport governing bodies (e.g. UEFA), health and other relevant stakeholders across Europe will be in attendance.