New smokefree campus information and support
New information and support is being made available for colleagues as we prepare to become a smokefree campus next month.
An updated set of FAQs is part of the new smokefree campus information and support available for colleagues
From Thursday 1 August, we’re asking staff, students, contractors and visitors not to smoke on campus every day between the hours of 8am and 6pm. This includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars, tobacco products (including chewing tobacco) and any device or substance that may be used for the purpose of smoking.
We are currently sympathetic to people vaping on campus as it is recognised by Public Health England as an aid to quit smoking.
When the updated smoking policy was published back in March, people were asked for their questions, thoughts and concerns. These form the basis of updated FAQs which, along with a map of the Smokefree campus, are now live on the Human Resources website.
Further information is available on the Wellbeing, Safety and Health website, and colleagues can also sign up for new 15-minute one-to-one quit smoking sessions on campus.
What we’re doing
Evidence shows that if young people haven’t started using tobacco by the age of 26, they almost certainly never will. We want to inspire people – and in particular current and future generations of students – not to smoke.
Our smokefree campus covers all outdoor space and grounds, including:
- main campus (all space within the boundaries of Woodhouse Lane, Clarendon Road, Mount Preston Street, Leeds General Infirmary and the inner ring road, including Leeds University Union)
- western campus (Leeds University Business School – LUBS grounds)
- Fairbairn House
- all University-owned and managed residences; and
- all University-owned sports grounds (e.g. Sports Park Weetwood and Bodington Playing Fields).
The revised policy is aligned to the aims of Leeds City Council, the NHS, Public Health England and the national Breathe 2025 initiative, and it aims to:
- protect staff, students and visitors from the harmful effects of smoking behaviour
- promote a safe and healthy smokefree environment for staff, students, contractors and visitors
- provide help and support to those who want to quit smoking; and
- ensure the University complies with legislation.
Contact the smokefree team for further information and advice.
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