Shopping enthusiasts in Grimsby were treated to an unexpected dose of street theatre, aimed at promoting the ‘Yes to Quit’ campaign to encourage smoking cessation. The adverts for the campaign, which has been active since late March, were brought to life across Yorkshire and Humberside, provoking ponderation regarding the valuable moments in life smokers may miss out on due to premature death. The Silent Uproar theatre company staged several performances at Grimsby’s Freshney Place on Thursday, 10th April.
The campaign, orchestrated by the Humber and North Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) with support of local authorities, has been widespread, infiltrating TV, radio, transport and social media across North East Lincolnshire.
Cllr Stan Shreeve, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and social care at North East Lincolnshire Council, was present at one of the performances, expressing the necessity for this campaign given the staggering 200 locals lost annually to smoking-related illnesses. He emphasised the profound impact these losses have not only on the individual, but on families too.
Alex Mitchell, representing Silent Uproar, articulated the company’s pleasure in morphing the advert into a street performance, hoping to surprise shoppers and spark important discussions about the overlooked issues related to smoking.
The performances have reached Bradford, Grimsby, and Hull, with future performances set for Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre, Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Centre, and Barnsley’s Alhambra.
In local efforts to support the campaign, Grimsby’s Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital has plans to convert a former smoking shelter into a ‘Take a Breather’ landscaped area and heritage trail.
The campaign coincides with the progression of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through Parliament, which aims to implement a smoking ban for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
