A CONFERENCE tackling the issues of smoking and health has been cancelled because of a lack of interest. Bolton's Specialist Health Promotion Service had planned the conference but only 30 out of 2,000 organisations included in the mailshot expressed any interest in attending. Now the organisers have been forced to cancel the event which had been aimed at health professionals , local authorities and others across the North West.

"It is not only the health authority in Wigan and Bolton which has highlighted smoking as one of the major issues affecting health," explained Kalsoom Farouq, one of the organisers and a health promotion specialist working in Bolton.

Concern

"The Government too in its White Paper has raised this issue as one of national concern and I simply can't believe the appalling lack of interest which has been shown in the event."

The conference, which had been planned for February 3 at the Jarvis Georgian House, Blackrod, would have been addressed by one of the country's leading counsellors and the manufacturers of nicotine replacement therapy, an integral part of the Government's plans to reduce smoking rates.

The Wigan and Bolton Smoking Cessation Service was also going to be launched at the event.

This service, funded by the health authority, will focus on reducing smoking rates across Bolton and at the heart of the service will be a group of "dynamic and enthusiastic" individuals who will work with smokers on a one to one and group basis.

The service will be led by a team leader who will be based in Bolton and will be responsible for the day to day management of the service.

Now, after the cancellation of the conference, the service will be launched at a later date once appointments to the posts have been confirmed.

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