Hackney youth encouraged to kick the smoking habit

Councillors of the London borough of Hackney have come up with a novel and creative way to get young people in the district to stop smoking - by asking young people to explore the subject on a local level by means of a two minute film.

The initiative is part of the Hackney Cut Films competition. Young people are being asked to make films designed to prevent their friends from smoking or to get them to give up if they already do so.

After the films premiere during the festival, a voting process will allow the borough's residents to decide on the winner.

As an additional part of the project, young people in Hackney will be given the opportunity to enjoy one of ten workshops taking place across the borough, designed to raise awareness about anti-smoking campaigning and filmmaking.

Those who wish to participate are urged to visit their local schools and youth clubs in order to find out where their nearest workshop will be taking place.

According to Hackney Council, 11 short films have already submitted for the festival, which will take place in at the mid-July at the Hackney Picture House.

Films will be judged by Dianne Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who has thrown her whole-hearted support behind the project.

"Smoking is still the number one cause of premature death and preventable disease in the UK, accounting for 18% of deaths in England," she said.

"Hackney Cut Films Competition is an important and inspiring project, which raises awareness of the dangers of smoking, peer pressure, and the shocking effects of smoking."

Ms Abbott added that it was essential to keep giving young people the chance to raise their voices in a community.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Health, claimed the project would go some way towards tackling what has become a serious issue throughout the district.

Published 8th May, 2013

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