The Irish Cancer Society is inviting young people from youth groups and programmes across Laois to be part of Ireland’s Tobacco-Free generation by getting involved in this year’s X-HALE short film competition.
Budding filmmakers, aged 10-24, can help spread the word about the impact of smoking and encourage their friends, family and community to be smoke free.
The Society hopes that winning a major EU Award for NGO’s working on tobacco prevention will encourage even more youth groups to take park in their X-HALE programme this year.
X-HALE was honoured by the European Commission and awarded 1st Place for the innovative social dimension of the programme and the peer to peer approach to working with young people at risk of smoking.
Sarah Chadwick, Cancer Prevention Officer at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Our 2019 X-HALE Short Film Competition grant call is now open for applications.
We would urge youth organisations across Laois to get involved so we can work together to make Ireland’s first smoke-free generation a reality.
“The success of the X-HALE programme highlights the potential that is there within communities for young people most affected by tobacco use and their supporting organisations to raise awareness of smoking, and drive change around tobacco at local, national and international level.”
Chadwick concluded, “This year the Irish Cancer Society is also offering a chance for participating young people and youth workers to become X-HALE Youth Advocates and Champions that will gain them even more experience in leading the way to a tobacco free generation.”
Through X-HALE, the Society provides funding and training to youth groups around the country to encourage young people to address tobacco use and empower them to take action in their communities by making a short film about the impact of smoking.
The closing date for applications for funding is Wednesday 28th February and film entries will be accepted until Wednesday 22nd May.
For more information click here.
Daffodil Day, proudly supported by Boots Ireland, takes place on March 22nd. Members of the public are urged to get involved and help raise crucial funds for lifesaving cancer research and free support services for cancer patients.
Visit www.cancer.ie now to volunteer or donate.
