Don't make us breathe your smoke...

SmokeFree Kids is the newest campaign from SmokeFree Liverpool.

Backed by the world-famous Alder Hey Children's Hospital, and by Everton and Liverpool football clubs, it is designed to bring home the message that smoking around young people can cause serious health problems.

We are not asking people to stop smoking but our aim is to provide advice and support on how to avoid smoking around children, whether it is in the car, in the home or any other environment.

Children and young people are not fully protected by the current smokefree legislation which prohibits smoking in enclosed workplaces, but they do deserve the same protection.

Research we carried out showed that 95% of people in the city - including smokers - believe it is wrong to smoke near children. Yet there is strong evidence that many smokers continue to smoke when children are nearby.

In some other countries, there is legislation already in place to prevent adults smoking in cars or in the home when children are present - but we believe the vast majority of adults will realise the damage their smoke can do, and voluntarily stop smoking near children.

Secondhand smoke can cause asthma, glue ear and increase the risk of chest infection and hospital admission in children.

For information about stop smoking support, contact Fagends on 0800 195 2131.