Youthfully smokefree

A youth campaign aiming to give young people a chance to voice their opinions on tobacco and smoking and influence the smokefree agenda has been launched.

The D*MYST group, run by young people from Liverpool, plan to help their peers make informed choices by exposing the truth about smoking and the deceptive practices of the tobacco industry.

D*MYST are also working with SmokeFree Liverpool to push for 100% smokefree legislation in the city.

Michael Molloy, a member of D-MYST said: "D-MYST will campaign for 100% restrictions on smoking particularly in youth environments; to ensure we and other young people are protected from second hand smoke while studying, working and socialising. It will help to prevent young people from starting to smoke and help those who are already smoking to cut down or quit the deadly habit.

With their group formed and branding in place they will begin their schedule of projects across the city in the New Year.

The launch last Friday (9) at the 08 Place allowed the group of 11-19 year olds to tell people about their group and campaign aims.

D*MYST gave a short presentation on the facts and figures of smoking and how it effects us and the people around us, followed by the premiere of 'Ciggie Idol' a smoking play produced by Speke Youth Theatre group.

Gina McDaid, Project co-ordinator said: "Now that we have launched our group and campaign goals, over the next few months we will be working with young people across the city to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and campaign for a smokefree future for all through our website which is currently being developed and by organising a number of smokefree youth events"

Eugene Wong, member of D*MYST said: "The launch was a great way for us to meet people and let them know what we are about and want to do. We are all excited to get started on our campaign and hope to make a difference".
For more information or to get involved please visit www.d-myst.info

Ends

For further information please contact Eilidh Robertson at Kenyon Fraser on 0151 706 9984

PHOTO ATTACHED

L TO R
FRONT: Lord Mayor and Gina McDaid (Project Co-ordinator)
BACK: Lord Mayoress and members of the D*MYST group

NOTES TO EDITOR

D-MYST:Direct Movement by the Youth SmokeFree Team
D-MYST is a youth initiative supported by SmokeFree Liverpool that will give young people an opportunity to voice their opinions on tobacco and influence the smoke free agenda on both a local and national level, based on the Reality Check model from New York and the ABCD approach
D-MYST is run by and for young people in Liverpool and has three keys goals

• Raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco- Youth health promotion and training programmes will be delivered in the areas of tobacco control,advocacy and media, so that young people can inform their peers about the dangers of tobacco and sure to secondhand smoke.
• Advocate for SmokeFree work environments for everyone - campaign for 100% restrictions on smoking and work with young people across the city to develop Smokefree initiatives relevant to their environment and experiences
• Speak out against manipulation and targeting tactics of tobacco industry- Expose the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry and lobby the film and media industry around inclusion of tobacco in their story lines, via our YOU Are A Target Campaign and SmokeFree Movies Project.