Comhairle na nÓg help launch 'Not Around Us'

The 'Not Around Us’ campaign launched last week is based on the belief that it should be normal for places in Ireland to be free from tobacco and vaping, especially when it comes to protecting children and young people.

Cllr Michael Dollard, leas-cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, launched the initiative in the Executive Lounge at the County Buildings, Mullingar on March 12, accompanied by members of Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg and council officials representing the teams who worked on its development.

‘Around Us’ aims to de-normalise smoking and vaping among young people, protect the environment and raise awareness for a vape and smoke free Ireland.

The idea is to help everyone, so it also points people in the direction of HSE stop smoking services.

Annette Barr Jordan, Community Development and Corporate Services, was MC for the launch and speakers along with Cllr Dollard were Elliot Walsh Nathan Geszczak from Comhairle na nÓg, and Brigid Geoghegan Westmeath Sláintecare Healthy Communities local development officer.

Cllr Dollard said: “The local authority has a central role to play in promoting and supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities – together, let’s make Westmeath a healthier, smoke-free environment for our children and future generations.”

The two young people from Comhairle na nÓg spoke particularly well. Elliot said: “We all know how important it is to have safe, healthy spaces where we can just be ourselves – whether that’s playing sports, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing. But when people smoke or vape in these spaces, it changes things. It brings unhealthy air into the places we love. And let’s be real – none of us want to breathe that in.

“This campaign isn’t about telling people what to do with their own lives. It’s about making sure that those choices don’t affect the rest of us – especially in places meant for young people to thrive. So, let’s stand together and say loud and clear: ‘Not Around Us!”

Nathan added: “Think about it – if you’re a little kid playing at the park, and you see someone smoking or vaping, you might start to think it’s normal. You might even believe it’s something cool to do when you get older. But we know better. We know that smoking and vaping can lead to serious health problems, addiction, and a lot of other issues that no one wants to deal with.”

Ms Geoghegan coordinated the project along with Healthy Westmeath coordinator Sarah McManus, working closely with Community Development Section and Municipal Districts staff. She also praised Ruth Murray, graphic designer in Westmeath County Council for her work on the project.

Ms Barr Jordan thanked Cllr Dollard, the Comhairle na nÓg members, other councillors who had supported the programme, LCDC, Westmeath Sports Partnership, Youth Work Ireland Midlands, the Children and Young People Services Committee, Department of Health, Department of Rural and Community Development, HSE and Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg along with other stakeholders and agencies, Westmeath County Council Staff from many sections for all of their support ‘Not Around Us’.

She concluded that support for any groups interested in establishing ‘Not Around Us’ in their areas is available at westmeathcoco.ie.