About ASH Wales: Who We Are
ASH Wales is the leading voluntary organisation in Wales tackling tobacco use. Our main aim is to achieve a reduction in and eventual elimination of the health problems associated with tobacco use.
The Vision of ASH Wales is
"ASH Wales is committed to achieving a life free from tobacco for all people in Wales"
The Mission of ASH Wales is
"Towards a Tobacco Free Wales"
Where We Have Come From
Action on Smoking & Health (ASH) was established in London in 1971 by the Royal College of Physicians as a response to the dramatic rise in awareness of the dangers to health caused by smoking.
ASH Wales was established in 1976 as a branch of ASH UK. For many years ASH Wales, under the auspices of ASH UK was involved in lobby and advocacy work as well as providing support to thousands of people to stop smoking. A part time Director and part time support personnel staffed the organisation.
Where Are We Going
In 2007, ASH Wales invoked dramatic change that enables it to better meet the needs of the people of Wales. Some of these changes included:
- The appointment of a full time Director to administer the organisation
- The appointment of a new Chairman
- Becoming an independent organisation incorporated as a charity in Wales and also became a company limited by guarantee
- The organisation will no longer provide direct support to individuals seeking help to stop smoking; this activity has been taken over by the All Wales Smoking Cessation Team
- More focussed organisational core activities
However, ASH Wales continues to be involved in a wide range of activities including the coordination of the All Wales Tobacco Control Forum ASH Wales manages as a means of bringing together the diverse work occurring in Wales in the tobacco control arena.
The key activities of ASH Wales are to:
- Communicate the issues relating to tobacco use in Wales
- Build effective networks of interested parties working in the tobacco control arena
- Provide advocacy and support to individuals and projects working in the tobacco control arena and to those who are not adequately represented in public health policy or practice
- Lobby for public health measures to protect the health of all people in Wales from the harm caused by tobacco
- Undertake projects, including training and awareness raising projects, and research in tobacco control areas
Annual Report
To view our annual report in an online flash presentation then click here. To download our annual report please download the pdf document below
The All Wales Tobacco Control Forum
ASH Wales administers the All Wales Tobacco Control Forum. The Forum was formed to bring together tobacco control professionals working in Wales. The Forum meets three times a year to discuss tobacco issues and how they impact on the health of the people in Wales. The group also has a lobbying role when appropriate.
Members of the All Wales Tobacco Control Forum include health professionals, voluntary organisations, the corporate sector and industry. The Welsh Assembly Government is a regular contributor at the meetings to update the group on tobacco legislation and control issues.