Cobalt Housing has officially launched its voluntary Smokefree Homes policy, reinforcing its commitment to tenant health and wellbeing.

The policy encourages residents to keep their homes smokefree to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the harmful effects of tobacco and second-hand smoke.

Cobalt Housing, which manages around 6,000 affordable homes across North Liverpool, has worked closely with Public Health Liverpool and its customers to co-develop the policy. It is not enforced but aims to empower residents to make informed choices.

It builds on the success of the Smokefree Homes campaign in the Broadway neighbourhood (Croxteth and Norris Green), where awareness efforts have highlighted the dangers of second-hand and third-hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 harmful chemicals, including around 50 known to cause cancer. Exposure can lead to serious health issues and even after smoke visibly leaves the area, toxic residues can linger in carpets and furniture, releasing harmful substances over time.

Children are especially vulnerable, facing increased risks of asthma, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome.

They are also three times more likely to become smokers themselves if grow up around smokers.

Last year, Liverpool City Council launched a tobacco control strategy which aims to stub out smoking within a generation.

Need help to make your home smokefree?

Smokefree Liverpool offers free, friendly support to help you go smokefree – whether you’re quitting completely or switching to vaping as a first step.

Support includes:

  • Free expert advice
  • Nicotine patches, gum, mouth spray and more
  • Free vape kits for those choosing to switch
  • Call: 0151 364 2535

Visit: www.SmokefreeLiverpool.co.uk

Louise Davies, Executive Director of Communities and Regeneration at Cobalt Housing, said: “We know how important a safe and healthy home environment is to our customers.

“By launching this voluntary policy, we’re supporting people to make informed choices about smoking in the home and helping to create healthier spaces for everyone – especially children.”

Councillor Rahima Farah, Assistant Cabinet Member for Public Health, added: “Second-hand smoke in the home is a major health risk, especially for children.

Creating a smokefree environment can significantly reduce the risk of asthma, ear infections, and even sudden infant death syndrome.

“I applaud Cobalt Housing for showing leadership in putting health at the heart of housing.”