Thanet District Council, in partnership with Kent County Council (KCC) and One You Kent, is introducing smoke-free areas across the district. This is part of KCCs new ‘Smokefree Spaces’ campaign, which aims to deter people from smoking in public places and from vaping around children and young people. The smoke-free areas will be located in public parks and play areas, high streets and outside schools.
To protect the health of children and young people, Thanet’s smoke-free areas will be introduced in children’s play areas, as well as in a section of Ramsgate High Street.
We are running free events to launch the smoke-free areas in the play parks. NHS ONE YOU advisors will be on hand to offer advice on stopping smoking and vaping and to sign people up to the NHS Smoke Free programme. Family Hub staff will also provide information about their free programmes and activities for young people and families.
- Boundary Park, Boundary Road, Ramsgate: Thursday 13 March, 2pm – 4pm
- Dane Park, Margate: Friday 14 March, 2pm – 4pm
- St Peters Recreation Ground: Tuesday 18 March, 2pm – 4pm
- Hartsdown Park, Margate: Friday 21 March – 2pm – 4pm
- Princess Margaret Avenue, Newington: Tuesday 25 March, 2pm – 4pm
- Jubilee Play Park, Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville: Wednesday 26 March, 2pm – 4pm
- Jubilee Play Park, Birchington: Thursday 27 March, 2pm – 4pm
We’re also running drop-in sessions at Discovery Planet, 47 High St, Ramsgate CT11 9AG on the following days and times:
- Monday 3 March – 3pm – 5pm
- Friday 7 March – 10am – 2pm
- Monday 10 March – 3pm – 5pm
- Monday 17 March – 3pm – 5pm
- Friday 21 March – 10am – 12pm
- Monday 24 March – 3pm – 5pm
- Friday 4 April – 10am – 2pm
Each local authority is responsible for designing its own signs, to let residents know where the smoke-free areas are. We are organising free workshops for schools and local people to help design the signs for Ramsgate High Street and the seven play parks. The chosen signs will be displayed at the designated smoke-free locations across the district.
Smokefree Spaces is part of the council’s response to the government’s Stop the Start campaign, which aims to help create a smoke-free generation. Recent data has shown that over 80% of smokers started before the age of 20, with many starting much younger.
You can find out more about KCCs Smokefree Spaces on their website.
One You Kent provides advice on giving up smoking and vaping. You can find out more on their website.
