New Yorkers arrive in Liverpool to help with smokefree campaign

August 30, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE FROM SMOKEFREE LIVERPOOL

SmokeFree Liverpool is to welcome young people from New York to the city this week.

Representatives from REALITY CHECK, an American youth initiative that exposes the truth about tobacco, will be here in Liverpool for five days. During their stay they will meet up with young people who are working with Smoke Free Liverpool to create England\'s first smokefree city.

A joint three day youth training event will be brought to a close next Friday afternoon (September 2) when the young people from New York and Liverpool take to the streets to talk to the public about what young people plan to do to help the Liverpool campaign. Their ideas, banners, posters and chalk drawings will be on display on Church Street in the city centre.

The visit kicks off on Tuesday evening (30) with a Civic Reception in the Town Hall to welcome the New Yorkers to the city.

Sandra Davies, Deputy Chair of Smoke Free Liverpool said, "This strong link between the Liverpool and New York campaign is great for us to share expertise and experiences. We have a real opportunity to take this campaign to the next level by listening to and involving young people from across the city.

Gina Mc Daid, Smoke Free Liverpool Young People's Project Co-ordinator said, Young people have strong opinion on smoking. Therefore it is important that young people are given the opportunity to express their views and influence the smoke free agenda locally

Councillor and member of the City Council's Social Care and Health Select Committee, Ron Gould said: "I am very much looking forward to welcoming the people from New York to Liverpool and believe the city will see great benefits from their visit and shared experiences".