Fifteen of Year eight pupils have recently taken part in the ASSIST programme developed by Cardiff and Bristol University to combat smoking in that age group. It is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The pupils were chosen by their peers through answering a questionnaire aimed at finding those with influence and a good social network.
The scheme started with two days of training at Manor Park where pupils learned the reasons why it is important not to become a smoker. They learned a multitude of facts which were often presented in a fun way. Pupils received this training in a very positive way and gained confidence from it.
On returning to school they became peer mentors and were expected to have “conversations” with pupils in school to actively discourage smoking and educate others as to the reasons why smoking is bad for health. These “conversations” were recorded in diaries which are used to help evaluate the overall success of the project.
The pupils were chosen by their peers through answering a questionnaire aimed at finding those with influence and a good social network.
The scheme started with two days of training at Manor Park where pupils learned the reasons why it is important not to become a smoker. They learned a multitude of facts which were often presented in a fun way. Pupils received this training in a very positive way and gained confidence from it.
On returning to school they became peer mentors and were expected to have “conversations” with pupils in school to actively discourage smoking and educate others as to the reasons why smoking is bad for health. These “conversations” were recorded in diaries which are used to help evaluate the overall success of the project.
