SHISHA TOBACCO PROJECT:

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST DOCUMENT

JULY 2012

Invitation to Submit a Proposal :ToRaise Awarenessof the risk of shisha tobacco usage in BME communities, including where this is a cultural and traditional practice

Environmental Health Department, Preston City Council, Town Hall, Lancaster Road,Preston, PR1 2RH

Background

Preston City Council has a dual role regarding the use of shisha tobacco. Firstly it has a role in regulating its legal usage in commercial settings such as shisha cafés. However, it also has a role in reducing the harm caused by all forms of tobacco use in its communities. In this regard, the Council has received funding to work in this area which is being delivered through the Central Lancashire Tobacco Alliance. Some of the funding has been utilised to produce high quality, consistent and culturally appropriate leaflets and posters to act as a resource base for educating users about the dangers of using shisha. The second part of this project is facilitating some initial insight into the choices made by both users and non-users of shisha in order to properly inform future interventions.

What we already know

The smoking of shisha or hookah pipes is a practice which dates back hundreds of years.Although it was originally undertaken by older men, it is now common for both men and women to smoke the pipes and young people are especially attracted to it, as part of their social and cultural setting. Anecdotally, we are aware that British residents who frequently visit their country of origin for family visits are exposed to this practice as the norm and this influence is being manifested in the uptake of this behaviour. Although there is no reliable data, we believe that the pipes are regularly used across homes in Preston, as well as in the handful of shisha cafes which have now opened in the city.

Whilst most smokers are aware of the serious health problems caused by smoking tobacco, many shisha users are unaware of the significant risks of smoking such a dangerous and addictive product. Users are at serious risk of developing a range of cancers, especially of the head and neck, as well as gum disease. There is an increased risk of diseases such as herpes and TB ( due to close proximity of users) being passed on and, in some circumstances, large quantities of poisonous carbon monoxide can build up in the areas used to smoke. In a typical smoking session, users can inhale the smoke equivalent of 200 cigarettes. Pregnant women who smoke the pipes and young children in close proximity are especially at risk.

Aims of this Project

  • To gain insight into the reasons why Shisha consumption is an emerging trend in some cultural / community groups, including those in which this is perceived as a traditional practice , and also why some members of those communities do not smoke shisha
  • To acquire accurate information of local knowledge, attitudes and practice where shisha tobacco is concerned.
  • Ensure that the information is representative of men, women and young people in the relevant communities e.g. mediterranean , middle east and some South Asian
  • The resources already produced by this project must be utilised in order to promote positive and consistent health messages.
  • The services of the local Stop Smoking Service must be promoted in order to support those who want to quit smoking.

What Will the Provider Receive?

  • A budget of up to £3000 is available to deliver the above aims.
  • Briefings on the current legal position regarding shisha usage and the services available from the Stop Smoking Service will also be provided to ensure the provider has the necessary knowledge to deliver the aims.
  • Printed and electronic resources will be supplied

How will the providers be evaluated?

Expressions of interest will be evaluated against the following criteria

  • An understanding of the project aims
  • Your submission, which should give a brief understanding of the Providers knowledge of the groups in which shisha is utilised and demonstrate how they will access these communities.
  • An ability to engage with all the target groupsoutlined in this paper
  • Providing value for money, including an indication of how many individuals from each group will be engaged with

Outcome

A written report detailing the results of the insight work and how the conclusions have been developed must be provided by 31st December 2012.

Timetable

Expressions of interest should be submitted via email to no later than 10th September 2012. In your submission you should indicate how you plan to deliver the above aims, including contact details for the project lead, a breakdown of costs and how you propose to evaluate the information gained.

A panel of Tobacco Alliance members will shortlist the applications, with a view to interviewing potential providers on the morning of Thursday 20thSeptember in the Town Hall, Preston.

For any further information please contact Eirian Molloy by email

or on 01772 906332.

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