Innovative work underway in Tower Hamlets to encourage smokers to quit has been recognised in a national award scheme.
The Tower Hamlets Tobacco Control Alliance, which includes the council and NHS Tower Hamlets, has been short listed in the ‘Achieving more through partnerships’ category of the Local Innovation Awards Scheme (LIAs).
The alliance is working to tackle tobacco use, making it harder for people start smoking and to motivate and assist every smoker to quit.
It also helps to ensure environments are smoke free, protecting families and communities from second hand smoke and tobacco related harm.
Dr Ian Basnett, joint director of public health, London Borough of Tower Hamlets and NHS Tower Hamlets, said: “This is the single most important cause of early death and ill health in the borough which is why we are so delighted that the great work of the team has been recognised.
“To be shortlisted for such prestigious awards is a real achievement. We’ve been able to demonstrate that our work is innovative and provides value for money and, most importantly, that it helps to achieve better outcomes for local people.”
Colin Perrins, head of trading standards and environmental health (commercial) at the council added: “To date our new SmokeFree Business Awards have reached over 10,000 staff in local businesses. We’re delighted with the success so far, but recognise that there’s always more to be done.”
The alliance has also tailored its services to specific community groups and worked to address wider issues including shisha and oral tobacco use.
Only six partnerships reached the final stage and Tower Hamlets is the only London borough to be short listed in this category.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 2 March 2010 in Downing Street.
Notes to editors
For media enquiries, contact Kelly Powell, acting communications manager on 020 7364 4390 or email kelly.powell@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
At the end of 2009 the Beacon Scheme was replaced by the new Local Innovation Awards Scheme (LIAs).
The scheme was jointly established by Communities and Local Government (CLG) and the Local Government Association (LGA) – including the Improvement and Development Agency which roll out best practice across local government – and the local public sector.
The LIAs recognise, celebrate and award partnerships who can demonstrate that they have innovative services, ideas and ways of working that bring real benefits to citizens.
The aims of the awards are to:
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identify, acknowledge and spread innovation and excellence,
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raise standards by promoting best practice through peer learning and knowledge transfer,
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improve services to make a real difference to the quality of life and life chances for individuals and communities, and
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give national recognition to local, frontline services and partnerships.
Further information
For more information, please contact Tim Carter, media relations and communications manager (interim) on 020 7092 5250 or 07752 193 330.
