What is the All-Wales Tobacco Control Forum (WTCF)?

The AWTCF is coordinated by ASH Wales in order to contribute to, and build upon, the necessary infrastructure, skills and knowledge that will enable Wales to respond effectively to tobacco control issues.

The AWTCF acts as a conduit for information within the sector.

It also has the role of enabling all those involved with tackling tobacco in Wales to inform and influence policy development and implementation, at both a national and regional level.

Who can join?

Membership is open to:

• Organisations, local alliances and umbrella groups
• Those whose work is specifically tobacco control focused
• Those who work with people vulnerable to tobacco
• Have a generic remit that includes a specific tobacco focus

Who are the Members?

Membership is drawn from the whole range of organisations and bodies that have a tobacco involvement in Wales. Members come from education, health promotion, public health, research, enforcement agencies, royal institutions, charities, political parties and government.

Associate membership may be granted to those organisations or individuals within the private sector that can demonstrate a firm commitment to reducing the effects of tobacco on Wales' people.

All members are required to declare that they do not have connections, affiliations or holdings with the tobacco industry or its representatives.

What does the AWTCF do?

The 2 major activities that the AWTCF undertakes are:

• Information exchange and networking
• Multi-sectoral input to policy development, informing and influencing national responses to tobacco, and representation.

Minutes of meetings are provided to all Member Representatives and comments and contributions welcomed.

The Tobacco Related Special Issues Groups (SIGs)

In 2007 the AWTCF will launch two SIGS. The SIGs will provide a forum for specialist discussion of specific issues.

• Cessation in Pregnancy Group
• The Youth and Tobacco Forum

Additional SIGs may be developed over time

The Youth and Tobacco Forum (Launched July 2007)

The Youth and Tobacco Forum will allow those involved in youth specific research and policy development, enforcement, youth and community work, health education, smoking cessation and paediatric medicine to network and exchange information. Additionally, young people themselves will have a voice at this forum.

Cessation in Pregnancy Group (Commencing 2008)

This group will be composed of representatives from cessation services and specialist projects that provide a service to pregnant women and their families. Such specialisation has been found to be useful in addressing the particular needs and concerns of pregnant and nursing mothers and the group aims to provide a forum for the exchange of information and good practice and to monitor policy development in relation to this key cessation target group.

Why get involved?

The AWTCF is a pro-active, participatory body. We encourage active engagement of our members.

Membership of the AWTCF is free.

The AWTCF is a milestone development in tackling tobacco.

Together we can meet the challenge that tobacco presents to Wales and its people.

Download a Membership form here AWTCF Membership Form