About Ash scotland
ASH Scotland: Leading the Fight Against Tobacco Use and Inequalities
ASH Scotland is a voluntary organisation based in Edinburgh, Scotland that has been at the forefront of tackling tobacco use and inequalities for over 40 years. The organisation was founded in 1975 with the aim of reducing smoking rates across Scotland, and since then it has become one of the most respected voices on tobacco control in the country.
The team at ASH Scotland is made up of experts from a range of fields including public health, policy development, research, communications and advocacy. Together they work tirelessly to promote policies that reduce smoking rates and protect people from second-hand smoke.
One of ASH Scotland's key areas of focus is on reducing health inequalities caused by smoking. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Scotland, with those living in deprived areas being more likely to smoke than those living in more affluent areas. ASH Scotland works closely with communities across the country to develop tailored approaches to tackling these inequalities.
ASH Scotland also plays an important role in shaping national policy on tobacco control. The organisation provides evidence-based advice to government bodies such as Health Protection Scotland and NHS Health Boards on issues such as smoking cessation services, tobacco taxation and regulation.
In addition to its policy work, ASH Scotland also runs a number of campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of smoking. One such campaign is "Not A Favour", which targets parents who smoke around their children. The campaign aims to educate parents about how their smoking can harm their children's health both now and into adulthood.
Another important aspect of ASH Scotland's work is its support for smokers who want to quit. The organisation provides information about quitting methods such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or e-cigarettes through its website or helpline service.
Overall, ASH Scotland has played a vital role in reducing smoking rates across Scottish society while also working towards greater equality for all citizens. Its work has helped to save countless lives and improve the health of communities across the country.