Open Wide Tobacco Project

Young members of Al Falah Mosque taking part in an Open Wide workshop

Shisha pipe smoking is becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately many people are unaware of the true dangers of this. There are many myths associated with shisha smoking and chewing tobacco with many people believing that it is harmless because the tobacco is fruit flavoured.

Young members of Al Falah Mosque taking part in an Open Wide workshop

Shisha pipe smoking is becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately many people are unaware of the true dangers of this. There are many myths associated with shisha smoking and chewing tobacco with many people believing that it is harmless because the tobacco is fruit flavoured.

Smoking a shisha continuously for 45 minutes is
equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes!

The smoke from a shisha produces high levels of carbon monoxide which is a very dangerous gas and at high levels is life threatening!

Our Open Wide workshop gives you the real facts about shisha smoking, chewing tobacco and mouth cancer. Chewing tobacco is a major cause of mouth cancer. If you spot the signs and symptoms early you have a much greater chance of survival. Play our ‘Truth Game’ and healthy mouth game and listen to our role-play to find out more facts. Our interactive and fun workshop is aimed at men and women of all ages from the Asian community and lasts for approximately one hour.

1067 people have participated in the workshop since it started in November 2009. Many participants have been shocked by what they have learnt.

One participant stated ‘’People think it's ok to use shisha because it's not like a cigarette, they don't realise how harmful it is"

Another stated ‘I have learnt how shisha can effect my life and my children. Not to ever take it again. Look for signs of mouth cancer and pass the message to friends and family’.

If you are interested in taking part in this workshop please contact Farzana on 01204 546040 or emai farzana@boltoncvs.org.uk

The new Tobacco Control Strategy for Bolton has now been published. Stopping people smoking is the most improtant way we can improve the health of Bolton residents.  Great work has already taken place but we still have further work to do.  This comprehensive strategy outlines how we can tackle tobacco together.