Aoife, Zara, Dylan & Tyrone, Limerick Comhairle na nÓg
Limerick Comhairle na nÓg have been awarded a Gold Medal by the World Health Organisation for this year’s World No Tobacco Day Awards.
The prestigious award is recognition of the youth council’s involvement in developing the #NotAroundUs campaign with Healthy Limerick, the HSE and Limerick City & County Council, which aims to create a tobacco free generation and make it is easier for those who smoke to quit by making public areas smoke-free zones.
As part of #NotAroundUs the young people participated:
‘We are delighted that our hard work has been recognised by the Word Health Organisation, said Aoife Ryan, Limerick Comhairle na nÓg.
‘It was an honour to play our part in a well-run and innovated project and to win the Gold Medal is a real boost for us,’ said Aoife.
Fellow Comhairlí Zara Daly added ‘we are very thankful to have the opportunity to work with Healthy Limerick and the HSE on such a rewarding and beneficial project. This award is amazing news!’
‘As it will be the next generation that will hopefully be a smoke-free one, it was important to have the young people involved. Healthy Limerick listened to and respected our input and suggestions on the #NotAroundUs campaign, said Zara.
With this year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day (May 31st) ‘protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use,’ Limerick Comhairle na nÓg have certainly played their part in changing habits as part of the #NotAroundUs campaign.
Minister Leads Tributes
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD has led the praise for Limerick Comhairle na nÓg saying ‘it is so encouraging to see young people playing such an active role in the development of the #NotAroundUs campaign.’
‘Seeing this local youth led initiative receive international recognition is something that give us really positive news at this most challenging time,’ said Minister Harris adding, ‘you are a credit to your families, to your communities and the this county. We are going to get there, we are going to make our country tobacco free.’
Limerick Comhairle na nÓg were presented with a a virtual certificate by the HSE’s Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Health & Wellbeing, Tobacco Free Ireland Programme.
‘I am thrilled to be able to award Limerick Comhairle na nÓg with the World Health Organisation (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award for 2020 on behalf of the World Health Organisation. This initiative demonstrates the power of the youth voice, said Ms. Blake,
‘Tobacco Free Ireland has a clear goal to denormalise smoking for the next generation of children which supports the overall vision of a Healthy Ireland. We know children model adult behaviour. This initiative will help ensure the children of Limerick see and experience a positive healthy environment as the norm,’ Ms. Blake added.
‘Their hard work and dedication to the project has now been recognised by no other than the World Health Organisation…you can’t get higher praise than that.’
The success of Limerick Comhairle na nÓg was also recognised by the Mayor of Limerick City & County Council, Cllr. Michael Sheahan who extended his congratulations to the young people.
‘Limerick Comhairle na nÓg has played a key role in Healthy Limerick’s #NotAroundUs campaign and on behalf of the people of Limerick I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to them,’ said Cllr. Sheahan.
‘The young people have shown great determination and leadership in developing and guiding #NotAroundUs and deserve a lot of credit for their energy and creativity when working with the different community and statutory partners across Limerick,’ said Cllr. Sheahan.
‘Their hard work and dedication to the project has now been recognised by no other than the World Health Organisation. You can’t get higher praise than that. Well done all,’ said Cllr. Sheahan.
For those who wish to quit smoking there are a wide range of effective supports available with further information available at www.quit.ie where you can access free, professional and non-judgmental support or phone the QUIT helpline on 1800 201 203.
Facilitated by Limerick Youth Service, Limerick Comhairle na nÓg is a youth council that advocates for and raises awareness of youth issues and rights. It has over thirty members (14-18yrs) and is one of thirty-one such groups nationwide.
Supported by Limerick City & County Council, Healthy Limerick envisions a Limerick where everyone is empowered to enjoy positive wellbeing which is supported at every level of society and achieved by working together.
A member of Youth Work Ireland, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
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