Last Friday, Healthy Fingal, in collaboration with the HSE and Empower launched the Smoke Free Homes Initiative in Bracken Educate Together National School in Balbriggan, with Deputy Mayor Cllr Gráinne Maguire joining representatives from Healthy Fingal, the HSE, and community partner Empower to mark the occasion.
The initiative aims to support families in creating healthier home environments by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke.
It is delivered through a collaborative approach, bringing together local authority, health services, schools, and community organisations.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gráinne Maguire highlighted the importance of community-led health initiatives that protect children and support families to make positive changes in their daily lives.
“Smoking and vaping present serious health hazards, with young children especially at risk from second-hand smoke.
“By increasing awareness and strengthening community support, we can significantly limit children’s exposure and help create safer, healthier environments for families”.
“This year’s programme sees schools from both Balbriggan and Blanchardstown taking part, expanding its reach and impact across communities in Fingal.
“It’s great to be able to expand the Smoke Free Homes Challenge to additional schools across Fingal with a particular focus on the Balbriggan area,” said Niall Mc Guirk, Healthy Fingal Coordinator.
“Our goal is to equip families with the guidance and resources they need to minimise the effects of smoke and create safer, healthier environments where children can grow and flourish.”
The Smoke Free Homes programme consists of two key elements.
Primary school children are invited to take part in a colouring competition designed to raise awareness of the importance of smoke-free spaces in a fun and engaging way.
Alongside this, households are encouraged to sign up to the Smoke Free Homes Challenge, a supportive four-week initiative running throughout the month of June, which helps families take practical steps towards making their homes and cars smoke-free.
The Smoke Free Homes Challenge is not focused on stopping smoking but instead empowers families to create smoke-free environments, helping to reduce the harmful effects of second-hand smoke—particularly for babies and young children.
Healthy Fingal, the HSE, and Empower are encouraging families across Balbriggan, Blanchardstown and the wider Fingal area to get involved by signing up to the challenge which starts on June 1st and runs until June 28th supporting a healthier future for all.
To register for the Smoke Free Homes Challenge, families are encouraged to check out https://bit.ly/SmokeFreeHomes2026
All households who successfully complete the four weeks will go into a prize draw for a voucher worth €50, €100 or €200, depending on how many changes they sign up for.