Quit and be fit!

Quit and be fit!

Aberdeen FC Community Trust is delighted to announce a smoking cessation and physical activity programme will be taking place at Pittodrie Stadium, the sessions will be delivered in partnership with NHS Grampian. Over the 12-week period participants will receive different techniques on how to stop smoking, as well as taking part in different physical activities delivered by AFCCT.

Aberdeen City currently has a smoking prevalence of 24% which is above the national average of 20.2%. Research has shown that taking part in physical activity while smoking is the best way to stop.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust is the first football club in Scotland to take part in this innovative programme. Wendy Innocent, Health Promotions Services Manager with NHS Grampian said “NHS Grampian are looking forward to working in partnership with Aberdeen FC Community Trust to deliver a new programme to support people to stop smoking and improve their physical activity levels. The 12-week programme has been designed for any fan looking for help to stop smoking. Fans can expect a friendly, supportive and free service and access to free stop smoking medications.”

David Smith, Senior Community Projects Officer with AFCCT said, “AFC Community Trust is delighted to be involved in yet another exciting venture with NHS Grampian. By providing extra support to those trying to quit smoking, and the opportunity to use the facilities and coaching staff at Pittodrie to combine stopping smoking with physical activity, we feel this is going to be an exciting programme for the communities of the North East of Scotland. And to be the first SPFL Club running this programme in partnership with the NHS is something we are really proud of, and we are sure it will be a huge success.”

AFCCT would also like to thank Yasmin Kemp and Emilia Kowalska from Seaton Primary School for designing the logo and the ‘Stop, Quit and Be Fit’ title. The campaign was officially launched during half time of the Inverness Caley Thistle match on Saturday 10th September. Councillor Angela Taylor, Convenor of Education and Children’s Services committee said “This is a great piece of recognition for Yasmin and Emilia on a fantastic piece of work with a very important message. I hope they enjoyed the day out at Pittodrie. It was certainly well deserved.”

Any females interested in the campaign please contact AFCCT for details of future sessions. For more information or to register for the free programme please email david.smith@afccommunitytrust.org