Win $50 and stop your money going up in smoke

Young people in Western Sydney are being encouraged to quit smoking and put their creativity to good use in encouraging others to do the same.

The Western Area Adolescent Team (WAAT) at Mount Druitt launched a new quit smoking program on World No Tobacco Day (31 May) and is calling on locals aged 12-25 to create a short video, artwork or meme about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

The first 10 entries will receive a $50 gift voucher and all will be shared on the Youth Health Facebook page.

Michelle, 22, from Mount Druitt is first in line to make a quit smoking attempt.

“I want help to stop smoking because I know it’s not good for me and it’s affecting my lungs. Actually, it’s affecting most of my everyday activities,” Michelle said.

“I’ll be saving a couple of hundred dollars a week. I really want to stop smoking, and I feel like this program will give me lots of support to do that.”

The quit program offers one-on-one and group support together with free nicotine replacement therapy in partnership with Emerton Pharmacy.

WAAT program coordinator Ngaio Chandler said the team makes it as easy as possible to attend, including providing Opal cards for travel.

“The quit program can also be part of a work and development order (WDO) if you’re trying to pay off a fine. We’re hoping these added incentives might help make the difference for some young people because stress, like the stress of a debt, can be a contributing factor for smoking,” Ngaio said.

Register your interest by emailing at wslhd-waat@health.nsw.gov.au to receive instructions on how to apply.

If you would like to learn more about the Quit Smoking Program, call WAAT on 9881 1230 or pop in during business hours at Buran Close, Mt Druitt.

In 2019-20 the NSW Government is investing $17.3 million on tobacco control programs.

For information, tips and tools to support people to quit visit www.iCanQuit.com.au, call NSW Quitline on 13 7848 or talk to a health care professional.