A local health service is calling on smokers within the community to take part in a very important pledge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service Quit B Fit Team are encouraging smokers to take a pledge to not smoke in their homes, cars and workplaces.
Quit B Fit team member Chris Ah-See said they had been running the campaign locally, but due to COVID-19 decided it was a good opportunity to push the message further.
According to the World Health Organisation, because smoking impairs lung function it makes it harder for the body to fight off the virus and other diseases.
"We thought it was a good idea and time to get the campaign together and get the community and locals of Wellington on board," Mr Ah-See said.
"Second and third hand smoke is also a big killer and a lot of people don't realise the effects of that."
Story continues after video...
Penrith Panthers player and Wellington local Brent Naden has come on board as the face of the campaign.
Mr Ah-See said having such a high profile player helping to spread the message was great because it will help reach people across the country.
"We're getting people to pledge not just from our region but from across NSW and Queensland," he explained.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
One Wellington local who has already signed up to take the pledge is Keelie Blackhall.
She is a non-smoker but wants to promote healthy lifestyle choices and encourage others to do the same.
Her advice to smokers or others thinking of taking part in the pledge is "to do so at your own pace and never give up and always seek support."
The campaign will run until World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
Those who take the pledge will go in the running to win a specially designed shirt.
For those interested in taking the pledge search 'WACHS' on Facebook or visit www.wachs.net.au