Learning Week 2025
ASH Scotland hosted a virtual learning week from 10-14th March 2025.
Over the 5 days we had seminars, events and Q&As - all online - exploring topics including smoking and pregnancy, tobacco industry interference and SAFE (Smoke and Aerosol-Free Environment). We also had a bonus event hosted by the Swedish Cancer Society. Take a look at our YouTube channel to see the recordings of the presentations.
Monday - 10 March
2-3:15pm
Tobacco and Nicotine Industries - what's next for Europe?
The tobacco industry is an everpresent threat to tobacco control, undermining progress and challenging health measures wherever it can. In our event we explore the role of legisaltion in Europe, the poential for new measures such as the introduction of SAFE spaces and regulating novel nicotine products.
We'll have guest speaker Lilia Olefir, Director of the Smoke Free Partnership and Global Alliance for Tobacco Control Coordinator (for the Euro region) joining us. Lilia won the 2024 Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence for her leadership in the fight against tobacco use, and will co-present with our CEO Sheila Duffy.
Tuesday - 11 March
1-3pm
Youth Conversations Hub - vaping illicit substances.
As part of our Youth Conversations Hub, in collaboration with the Learning Week, this event will introduce the topic of illicit substances in e-cigarettes, otherwise known as laced vapes. Our event will provide expert insights, guest speakers from With You and tools for professionals working with young people.
Our guest speakers are from the drug, alcohol and mental health charity WithYou, that focuses on providing safe, supportive help to young people overcoming issues in their life.
Wednesday - 12 March
No Smoking Day!
Get involved and help spread the message for No Smoking Day 2025. Download our toolkit and social media assets and spread the message of support to those who want to quit smoking in your community
Thursday - 13 March
10-11am
Is Sweden a tobacco success story?
Sweden has the lowest prevalence of cigarette use in Europe. How did they achieve this? In this talk, the Swedish Cancer Society delve into the tobacco control choices that helped them achieve an 11% smoking rate, and the challenges faced by the introduction of novel products such as nicotine pouches.
This event is being hosted by the Swedish Cancer society.
Thursday - 13 March
1-3pm
Extending SAFE (Smoking Aerosol-Free Environment) Spaces
This event with introduce SAFE (Smoke and Aerosol-Free Environment) spaces, the role they can play in reducing second-hand smoke harms to young people and reflect on the current legislation in Scotland. We'll hear from guest speaker Professor Sean Semple from Stirling University who will speak about the prevalence of second-hand smoke in Scotland. With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill including SAFE, we dive into what the future of smoke and aerosol-free environments might look like in Scotland.
Professor Sean Semple's area of expertise is human exposure science with particular emphasis on the health effects of indoor air pollution, tobacco control research, and occupational epidemiology.
Friday - 14 March
10-12pm
Smoking and vaping in pregnancy
Our Smoking and Vaping in Pregnancy event includes a brief presentation of ASH Scotland’s consultation findings. We will have an evidence-based overview of the risks of smoking and vaping during pregnancy from a guest expert. Participants will also gain practical tools and insights into ASH Scotland’s new resources, and get the opportunity to explore strategies to support healthier pregnancies and smoke-free futures.