Steparoo's Big Adventure

News Flash: Steparoo spotted!

2011-03-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Here at Smokefree North West, the sun is shining and Spring is upon us - but we all remain a little sad because of the continued absence of our fine furry friend, Steparoo.

The plot has thickened since our resident kangaroo mascot and her little 'Roo first went awol last week.

Reports have flooded in of sightings of her and little Roo all across the North West - from Bury Market to Wigan, and the centre of Liverpool to Huyton Village shopping centre. All of which had us perplexed - especially upon learning she had been brandishing flowers to lots of unsuspecting Mums. We can't help but wonder - what is she up to?

Whilst we're relieved she's obviously ok and we think that it might have something to do with her endeavours to gently guide and help mums to make an informed choice to Take 7 Steps Out and protect their children from secondhand smoke, we are still worried by her absence.

So if you're reading this Steparoo, we have a stash of Skippy peanut butter waiting for you - just please come home soon!

The Smokefree North West team
XXXXXX

MISSING: Our beloved Steparoo!!

2011-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

A very happy Steparoo last summer

"Maybe she's gone to Tesco to replenish her Skippy peanut butter?" offers Andy.

We sadly shake our heads sceptically - Steparoo is such a conscientious girl she'd never leave us like this, with no ditty to let us know her whereabouts. Oh no.

Our much loved fine furry hop-stepping friend is missing, and the only signs of her are some rather large kangaroo footprints outside of shopping centres and train stations all across the North West (or so we're told). Have you seen these giant footprints anywhere near you? Please let us know if you have!

We miss her and her little joey sorely here at the Smokefree North West offices. Every time we hear some clodhopping along the corridor (try as she might, Steparoo's not, ahem, particularly delicate on her sizable feet) we rush from our desks only to find it's just the builders who are in the building at the moment sprucing it up. It's probably the most eager to prise ourselves away from our desks and our tenacious hard work we've ever been.

We last saw her yesterday for a brew - and because it was such a super busy day we didn't notice she'd gone till her usual exclamations of "BINGO!" (as she thinks of another winning idea to help mums and dads take Take 7 Steps Out from their homes to protect their little 'uns from secondhand smoke) weren't ringing around the office scaring the wits out of us.

We can only hope that in her excitement about the coming spring and all this lovely sunshine we've been having that she's earnestly taken herself off to champion taking Take 7 Steps Out - as it's so much easier when the weather's bright and beautiful.

So if you see her, or have any clues as to where she might be - she's roughly 2m tall, very cuddly with a golden syrup-brown coloured fur, turquoise blue Seven Steps Out tee shirt, and of course very, very big feet - please let us know. And if you've pinched her, please give her back!

Sophie at Smokefree North West

XXXX

Steparoo and National Youth Work week

2010-11-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

It was great being asked to help celebrate National Youth Work week in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria. Me and Lil’ Roo made an appearance at the Forum 28 where over 200 young people came together to celebrate the things that they do in their communities – all of these young people give generously of their time to take part in various activities and promote healthy living.

Which is where I come in, young people deliver the no smoking message through peer education workshops and so I went along to give some extra help in promoting the 7 Steps out. The people of Barrow are a friendly lot and Lil’ Roo and I got lots of hugs from the little folk (and some not so little) of Barrow.

So, well done young people for working so hard to let people know about the 7 Steps out and if you ever want me to come again then I’ll hop over and give you a hand.

Lots of love

Steparoo and Lil’ Roo.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wonderful Warrington

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

The guys from Smokefree North West asked me and Lil’ Roo along to their roadshow one last time to help the spread the word to Take 7 Steps Out. The roadshow visited every county across the NW and along the way we met some really bonza people!

Today we were at Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington, what a fantastic turn out!

Warrington Borough Councillor Mike Biggin and some of the helpful people from NHS Warrington’s Stop Smoking Service came by to lend a hand. Sheila and Linda from Warrington Smokefree Families also stopped by to help out and tell people all about their new scheme. They are asking people to pledge to make their homes smokefree and in return not only will people protect their family but also receive a free information pack- sounds rad!

For help and support in making a home smokefree make sure to check out the support section area on http://www.take7stepsout.co.uk/

I was so excited when Rugby League Challenge Cup winner Wolfie from Warrington wolves stopped by to support the campaign. Everyone wanted their photos taken with us- we were the Kylie and Jason of Warrington- I felt like a superstar!
My favourite part of the day though had to be when glamorous gran Joy, stopped by for a chat. Joy hadn’t heard about Take 7 Steps Out until her grandkids Leigha and Jake who had seen the advert asked their gran to start smoking outside. Joy now Takes 7 Steps Out before she lights up and even has a chair 7 steps away from the back door, what a beaut idea!

Wow what an end to a bonzer summer, we’ve met so many new friends along the way, been to heaps of cool places and informed tonnes of blokes and sheilas in the North West about the dangers secondhand smoke has on children.

Remember folks- if you do smoke, protect the little ones and Take 7 Steps Out!

StepaRoo & Little Roo x

Kirby Market, Knowsley

2010-09-13T03:37:00.000-07:00

Me and Lil’Roo hopped over to Knowsley for the penultimate day of our road show. It was an exciting day and we met lots of great new friends.

Louisa and Jacki from Knowsley Health and Wellbeing team joined the Smokefree North West gang today to help spread the ‘Take 7 Steps Out’ message. It was great fun and they chatted to loads of folk about the dangers of smoking in the home. They introduced us to Gill and James from ‘Roy Castle Fag Ends’ a local group, set up on a drop in basis for people to nip in and receive information and support about smoking. They have information days held all across the NW so people don’t have to travel too far. It couldn’t be easier!

We met a great Sheila called Linda today who takes 7 Steps out for her grandkids, she said: “It’s not that much of a hassle to nip outside, I don’t know why more people don’t do it” Well done Linda that’s the spirit!

The local fire service also came down to show their support, offering a free fire risk assessment to help keep peoples homes safer.

A little fella called Benjamin was brill on the musical steps today, he kept us all entertained with some tunes. His mum Dawn takes 7 Steps out because she is worried about the kids inhaling secondhand smoke. She was shocked when she could actually smell cigarette smoke on the kids. “My sister smokes too, but I won’t let the kids in the car with her if she has been smoking there” – That’s great Dawn keep up the good work.

I can’t wait to tell all my pals down-under about all the people we’ve met. I can’t believe it’s the last day tomorrow in Warrington. Hope to see you there.

Love Steparoo and Lil’Roo

x

A great day in Harpurhey

2010-09-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

Chemical Soup show all the nasty chemicals found in cigarettes - ewwww!

Gday guys me and Lil’Roo visited Harpurhey today. We had loads of fun shopping in the market - you can buy almost anything there!

We had Abbie, Ali, Jenny, Lana, Mark and Jenny from the local Manchester PCT with us today to help out. Our beaut new friends were on hand with advice and information about local stop smoking services that are available in the area. They also brought down a display called chemical soup to show us exactly what nasty chemicals are in cigarettes – Ergh!!

We met some bonza people today like Danielle who started smoking outside because she hated the smell in the house and was worried her ceilings would turn yellow! Now her home is smoke free for her little girl Kaya and her boyfriend who hates smoking.

We also met Leanne always smokes outside in the garden because she is worried that her kids Ria and Monet will inhale secondhand smoke, she said: “Ria has asthma so I would never smoke around her.” That’s the spirit Leanne. Well done!

Little Jamie was out with his mum today, he took a balloon for his sister and a Take 7 Steps Out pack for his Gran who is trying to cut down with the help from Manchester PCT. Keep going Gran you can do it!

It’s been great fun today can’t wait to see who we meet in Knowsley.

Love Steparoo and Lil’Roo

StepaRoo loved Crewe

2010-09-09T02:59:00.000-07:00

Katie and Leon

Me and Lil’Roo hopped over to Crewe today, with the Take 7 Steps Road show. We had a blast chatting to people and gave out loads of balloons and take 7 Steps packs to our new pals.

Rachael Nicholls the Public Health Project Worker from Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT nipped down today to offer help and support to people wanting information about smoking. Thanks for pitching in today Rach you are a riot.

We met Leon aged 4 who made playing the musical steps look easy and cool. His mum Katie already takes 7 Steps outside to keep her home smoke free – a big StepaRoo high five to you Sheila!

Amber was out shopping with her mum Elaine today but still had time for a hug and to pose for a pic for our blog.

Abigail’s mum Kirsty only smokes in the garden to keep second smoke away from Abi. Kirsty said “It also doesn’t make the house smell, I always make sure my friends that come around smoke outside too, and when Abi stops at her Grandmas no one smokes inside either.” Kirsty is doing really well cutting down with the help of patches from her local PCT- keep up the good work!

We met Lucy who was helping her mum to do some shopping before school in the arvo. She took a 'Take 7 Steps Out' information pack for her Grandma who sometimes smokes in the kitchen – thanks for spreading the message Luce!

We’ve had another bonza day meeting people, next stop Harpurhey!!

Love Steparoo nad Lil’ Roo

x

Spindells Shopping Centre, Oldham

2010-09-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

Me and Lil’Roo headed over to Oldham with the 7 Steps campaign today. We visited the Spindells Shopping Centre, Strewth there were loads of shops to buy prezzies for the guys back home.

We met Joy today who’s grandkids had seen the 7 steps ad on TV and now make sure Joy smokes outside the house, she said “It doesn’t bother me really going outside I don’t know why I didn’t do it before”– Good work guys!

Catherine and Amanda from Oldham’s children centre popped down today to help out, you guys were a hoot! They spoke to heaps of people offering free carbon monoxide tests and advice about the help and support that’s out there for folks.

We met Susan who said she only smokes in the kitchen away from the kids, but after finding out that most of the harmful gases in cigarette smoke are invisible, she decided that she would take the seven steps outside, so that her house is completely smokefree.

Michelle said “I have always smoked outside the back door, but after seeing the ad I take 7 more steps into the garden” Good stuff Michelle that will help keep the kids fit and healthy.

Jamaine and Tyrell kept us all entertained showing us some bonza tunes they could play on the musical steps!

Macie and Toby were out shopping today and gave us lots of hugs. Macie was only little but she could do seven wobbly steps all on her own -Good on ya Sheila!

You made us feel really welcome today Oldham thanks guys.

See you soon!

Steparoo and Lil’Roo

Pyramid Shopping Centre, Wirral

2010-09-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today me and Little Roo got the ferry across the Mersey over to The Wirral for another rippa Take 7 Steps Out roadshow. We got to meet the friendly folk of Birkenhead and tell them all about Smokefree North West’s campaign.

Made some new mates in Phil, Kate and Ruth from NHS Wirral. It’s almost a year since they launched their Smokefree Homes Scheme, what’s great is that they get everyone involved- smokers can pledge to make their homes and cars smokefree and even those that do not smoke can pledge that they will not allow friends and family to smoke when they come into their homes and cars- just the way it should be if you ask me!

Today they managed to sign up heaps more people. Funnily enough a lovely sheila called Marilyn popped by with her little nipper Tori. Almost a year ago Marilyn signed up to NHS Wirral’s Smokefree Homes Scheme when a health visitor told her that little Tori’s night-time chesty cough was likely to be down to Marilyn’s smoking around her. Marilyn said: “This was the wake-up call I needed, when I heard this I knew I had to start smoking outside”. Marilyn has since gone one step further, in fact she’s made a giant leap and quit altogether, hurrah! “I did it for Tori” she told me. Great news!

Catch us in Oldham tomorrow for another exciting adventure with the Smokefree North West gang.

StepaRoo & Little Roo x

Super Salford

2010-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a super saturday for me 'n' little Roo. Today we visited Salford Shopping Precient where we met heaps of really nice people including the lovely Shelly and Mark from Smokefree Places (the guy who seems to know everyone in Salford!) - Jeez that guy is well connected!

He introduced me to quite a few new friendly faces. I had a good natter to Paul Silcock and his family. Paul's got a little nipper called Amber and one on the way. He was well up for smoking outside and said " I don't smoke in the house so that Amber doesn't have to breathe it in. Even when I go to my nanna's with Amber, I ask her not smoke in her own house". Good on ya mate!

I had a good hop about the shopping centre and soon realised that I was in Man United territory - those red devil shirts were everywhere with all the little kids wanting to be David Beckham! I'm not sure our blue balloons were the right colour but they still went down well with the children.

I decided to take up that great British tradition and have cuppa to rest my feet and whilst I was there I met a top sheila called Kelly Rutherford with her three year-old son Cameron. Kelly said "Before I had Cameron I used to live at my mum's and we both used to smoke in the house but when I got pregnant we decided to make it a smokefree home. It smells feels loads cleaner and smells nicer."

So all in all a great day in Salford! Hope to see you tomorrow at Pyramid Shopping Centre in Wirral.

Love Steparoo and Little Roo x

Millgate Shopping Centre, Bury

2010-09-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

G’day guys,

Me and Lil’ Roo headed over to Bury Market today for another beaut of a day. We had a great time shopping for bargains in the Market and making new pals, like Gracie and Sophie who were out shopping for the day with their mum Roz. Roz decided to stop smoking before the girls were born because she was worried about the dangers of second hand smoke. I’m glad she did because she needs all her energy keeping up with those two little rascals.

Kate, Luke and Kirsty from NHS Bury came down today to help out; we had a great time with them. They talked to loads of people about where they can go if they decided they wanted advice about smoking.

Mick, who was out enjoying the sun with his daughter, already makes the seven steps outside when he smokes. He won’t let anyone smoke in the house and he said it “keeps his home smelling fresh too”. Good on ya mate!

The Greater Manchester Fire Service popped down today to offer free fire risk assessment for people to help keep their families safe.

Jennie decided she was going to try making the seven steps outside from now on because she didn’t know there were harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke that you can’t even see – Well-done Shiela, keep a warm coat near the back door so you don’t get cold.
Barbra and her husband stopped smoking after years of trying when they saw a “Dangers of smoking advert on the box” Good work guys.

Angelina in her ice cream van kept Lil’ Roo cool in the heat with her delicious ice lollies –Phew you made a little Joey very happy!
What a day! We’ve had loads of hugs. Can’t wait for Salford, hop on down if your around it would be great to see you there.
Steparoo and Lil’Roo

x

Stockport Chestergate

2010-09-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

Me and Lil Roo hopped on over to Stockport today. It was an absolute scorcher, the sun was out, it felt like we were back down under!

We met some awesome folk like Katie who was born prematurely, her mum Charlie always takes her smoking outside, she’s even got a shed at the bottom of the garden that she goes to with her friends, to make her house completely smoke free –Well done Sheila!

Stockport County mascots Amino and Fide came down to show their support for Smokefree North West’s campaign. They were bonza and showed us around town. Even our new friend Chloe took time out from shopping with her dad to pose for some pics.

Helen Jackson from NHS Stockport came along to help out, she was great fun, she spoke to heaps of people and told them about a drop in centre to help them quit smoking when they’re ready.

Little Corey thinks that smoking is smelly and horrid, his mum Vicki doesn’t want him to change his opinion, so she doesn’t smoke in front of him, and when she does it’s down the garden away from the house – good on ya Vicki!

Jack aged four turned out to be a bit of a musician on the musical steps along with heaps more ankle bitters. You rocked it guys!!

Me and Lil’ Roo had a ripper of a day and made loads of new pals, thanks Stockport.

Come on the Blues!!!

Hope to see you all soon, next stop Bury!

Steparoo and Lil’ Roo x

St George’s Shopping Centre, Preston

2010-08-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

No wonder the North West is the centre of the WAG world – strewth, you guys know how to shop! And me and little Roo gave Colleen a run for her money at St George’s Shopping Centre in Preston. We were hopping mad for all the shops on offer and it was a great opportunity to stock up on some winter woollies for when the great British weather gets even colder (is that even possible?).

Making the most of the Bank Holiday weekend, there were tons of happy shoppers today who were right up for having a dance on the musical steps and having a good old chinwag with me and Little Roo. Bernadette Bevan, who was there with her 14 year-old niece Karan Bayley, was telling me that there’s no need get ‘60 Minute Makeover’ round to her house now as “it smells better and we need to decorate less since I stopped smoking in the house”.

She was quite shocked to find out the most of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes are invisible and said of the Take 7 Steps Out campaign: “I think it’s a reasonable thing to ask, especially when you find out that there’s more harmful chemicals than you thought. I thought it was just the smoke you see”.

We also met the lovely Christine Bell from the PCT too. Christine had come along to chat to the lovely people of Preston too about asking them to some outside to help protect the kids, and she an absolute joy to be around. She was a little ray of sunshine when it was chucking it down outside – good on ya love!

Steparoo ‘n’ little Roo x

A terrific day in Trafford

2010-08-31T04:24:00.000-07:00

After a couple of days chillin’ out at the seaside we couldn’t wait to get to Trafford to meet some new mates. We popped by to Stretford Mall, it was so busy and everyone was in good spirits- they must have had that Friday feeling.

We were joined by the lovely Olivia, a member of Sale Harriers running club, keep your eyes peeled for her in the 2012 Olympics. Little Roo said that when she grows up she wants to be a sprinter like Olivia, but I reckon she’d be a rad triple jumper instead. Whilst we were feeling sporty we decided to go and check out Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Old Trafford Football Stadium, apparently the footie team that plays there are worth a lookie.

Seems like there’s some cool things to see in Trafford, I heard that NHS Trafford are launching their very own smokefree homes scheme so watch out for that.

Danny and his daughter Chloe, from Trafford stopped by for a hug and a chat. Danny smokes outside and told us that he persuaded his wife Denise to take 7 steps outside too. Denise said: “I’m so glad he encouraged me to smoke outside, it benefits the kids’ health which is so important to us”. It’s great to hear that heaps of people are passing the Take 7 Steps Out message to friends and family. Spread the word far and wide guys!

Righto well I’m off to get a relaxing fish massage after a hard day on my paws, I’ll be hanging out with the Smokefree North West gang in Central Lancs next so come along and join in the fun! x

2010-08-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

Comedy legend Eric Morcambe

G’day! Me and Lil’ Roo thought we’d check out North Lancs’ Take 7 Steps Out roadshow so we packed our bathers and bucket and spade and headed to the lovely seaside town of Morecambe. You Brits are so lucky having so many beaut places on your doorstep. Living in the outback, it takes us days to hop from town to town.

We met two cheeky little local nippers Rebecca and Melissa and their mum Lyndsay. Lyndsay has started smoking outside as they have all just moved into a new house and wanted a fresh start. Lyndsay said: “You need to respect your child, if you smoke right near them you might as well give them a cigarette.” I couldn’t have said it better myself! Good on ya Lynds!

Found myself a new bezzie mate, Will from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service who came down to help out. He thinks Smokefree North West’s campaign is great. He said: “Smoking is the number one cause of fires in the home so if you have to smoke then do it the 7 steps way, take it outside and cut the risk of fires in the home.”

Me and Lil’ Roo made sure got an eyeful of Morecambe’s famous statue of funny man Eric Morcambe in the arvo with Christie the Cat from Morecambe FC, apparently the footie season’s just kicked off so good luck guys!

We are gonna hang around at the beach for a couple of days and try to catch some waves. It is almost as lovely as Bondi and the people are so friendly - we’re having a bonza time!

We’ll be back for the Trafford roadshow on Friday 27 August, so if you’re in the area come and see us at Stretford Mall.

See ya there mates!

A beaut day in Blackburn

2010-08-25T03:43:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to take Lil’ Roo to Blackburn Shopping Mall today as part of the Take 7 Steps Out roadshow travelling across the North West. Strewth – there were shops galore! Plenty of folk from Blackburn were getting a little retail therapy and me ‘n’ Lil’ Roo did a spot of window shopping ourselves!

It was really nice to be inside today as the weather has keep us on our toes so far and the shopping centre was bustling with people so I met a few new mates and had a nice chat.

Natalie Rothwell brought along her thirteen month old nephew James into town to visit and told us she lives with James’ parents and before James was born they all smoked in their home. But since the arrival of little James, they’ve all decided that they won’t smoke in their home - and also gave the house a fresh lick of paint to boot. Natalie said: “The ceiling used to be yellow and then when we stopped smoking in the house we painted it white and it has stayed white.” Strewth – if that is what happens to ceilings, imagine what happens to your insides!

Natalie has a little bit of strife with her mates when she told them her home was smoke free and they needed to Take 7 Steps Out but Natalie and her family remained firm with their decision: “If people come to my house, they go outside to smoke.”

Another new mate Karen Kenyon agreed: “The kids are the most important things in my life. It’s my house and people should respect that. My kids’ health is more important than worrying about people’s feelings.”

Once again the Fire Service lent a hand and I reckon quite a few people will be ringing up for their free fire safety check after chatting to them, and Cathy and Yamina from the Blackburn with Darwen PCT handed out so many Take 7 Steps Out balloons that it was like a sea of blue in that mall – reminding me of our beaut beaches in Oz.

It was a fantastic day and Lil’ Roo and I stocked up on some goodies. We will hop along to Morecombe tomorrow. Hope to see you all there!

Steparoo ‘n’ little Roo x

Rain doesn't dampen the fun at Ashton Market

2010-08-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

My Little mate Miley - what a bewty

Me and Lil’ Roo took a trip to Ashton Market for Tameside and Glossop’s roadshow. The day started off so well, the sun was shining, there were hugs galore, we even met a mum who decided to quit because she saw our Take 7 Steps Out advert, great stuff!

Then by lunchtime it was raining boomerangs - like Queensland in the wet season - only colder! It didn’t stop me having a ripper time though; after picking up some gum boots from the market – or wellington boots as you blokes and sheila’s call them - and we were soon splashin’ around causing all sorts of mischief. What fun!

Me and Lil’ Roo met a gorgeous little’un called Miley, poor Miley suffered from bronchiolitis when she was just three and a half months old and spent more than two weeks in hospital. Luckily she’s a tough cookie and is ok now. Since this though her mum and dad have been really strict about smoking right outside and as far away from Miley as they can. Mum Kirsty even said: “When I’ve had a cigarette, I’ll come in, wash my hands and take my coat off so no smoke gets near Miley”. They both feel the campaign reinforced what they already know about the dangers of secondhand smoke to children which is great to hear. Good on ya mum and dad.

Despite the weather, so many beaut people came along to support the campaign; Elaine Michel, Deputy Director for Public Health; Melusi Ndebe, Public Health Partnership Lead; and Dr Kailash Chand, PEC Chair for NHS Tameside and Glossop all came along to help out. Even my new mate Deputy Mayor Dawson and his lovely wife Jackie popped by to honour the occasion! They are great folks and Lil’ Roo and I will have some great memories to take back to Oz!

Big thanks to the blokes from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and sheila’s from Tameside and Glossop Stop Smoking Service who helped out all day. We had great fun under the gazebo chatting to the great people in the community.

Me and Lil’ Roo and Smokefree North West hope to meet you and your mates at the Blackburn Mall tomorrow for another fun filled adventure. Hope to see you there!

Wonderful Widnes put a hop in our step

2010-08-23T03:31:00.000-07:00

Lil Annalise with her mum and dad

Wonderful Widnes put a hop in me and Lil Roo’s step on Saturday.

We took the Take 7 Steps Out roadshow right to the centre of Widnes where I was amazed at the fantastic local folks who came along – what a beaut community!

To help us out Tisha and the gang from Halton and St Helen’s PCT gave heaps of support. We had three young ‘uns from the Youth Canal Boat Project, my new mate Colin the health trainer, a bunch of you-beaut volunteers who help the PCT and Cllr Keith Morley who all came along to speak with the people of Widnes about protecting children from secondhand smoke. What a great bunch!

Me and Lil Roo were stoked to meet some families who are already going right outside to smoke like Samantha Hooton and her partner Daniel Atkins who Take 7 Steps Out for their beautiful seven month-old daughter Annalise. I tell you, that lil un made me all broody again! Samantha said, “I don’t agree with smoking around kids. If you care about your child, don’t smoke around them.”

We also met Sue Kilshaw who has two children aged 13 and 6. She said that she’s never smoked in the house because of her kids. Her view is that “the kids haven’t chosen to smoke, so why should they smell of it?”

It really was a great day - we had music coming out of our ears with all the kids hopping down the musical steps all day! We are really looking forward to meeting the folk of Ashton on Monday for another fun-filled day,

Steparoo and Lil Roo x

Roo and a friend or two in Rochdale

2010-08-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

StepaRoo and Lil Roo loved the Rochdale markets

Hey Hey! Me and Lil Roo and had another fun filled roadshow with the Smokefree North West gang today at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre. We caused a stir in the market when we tried our hand (or paws) at market trading on a fruit and vegie stall. We were naturals!

Strewth I must have blown up a million balloons today making sure my new little friends got to take something special home with them; I was so out of puff by the arvo! Good job I got some help from Catherine Barlow, Saiqa Aslam and Penny Aldred from Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council’s Smokefree Homes and Smokefree Cars team. Their scheme is run in partnership with NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale so Ann Howarth, Stop Smoking Service Commissioner popped along too. Saiqa was telling me that its scheme has been up and running for more than five years. People can pledge to make their homes and cars smokefree – and we found lots of people want to do that with twenty-three people signing up to the scheme today, not only will they be protecting their family from cigarette smoke but they get an awesome fun goodie bag! What a result!

Me and Lil Roo met a sweet bunch of kids on a day out with their nursery, so there was hugs all round, even teach wanted in on the action and was showing the nippers her best moves on the steps.

Then Lettitia and her mum Debbie popped by to say hello. Debbie has smoked for years but says that as soon as her kids were born she decided to smoke outside so Debs is a real pro to Take 7 Steps Out. Debbie also said: “I’ve just decorated so smoking outside keeps the walls nicotine free, I even make my mates smoke outside” Nice goin’ Debs, it makes me think if smoke can make your wallpaper a funny colour, imagine what it’s doing to yours and your kids’ lungs! Yuck! A little birdie told me Lettitia has a beaut voice and is auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent in October, I wouldn’t mind giving it a go too and showing Simon Cowell what us roo’s are made of!

Righto, that’s all for now, gotta get some rest for the Halton and St Helen’s roadshow in Widnes Town Centre tomorrow, come on down!

What a wonderful day in Wigan

2010-08-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

Steparoo with Wigan Fire Service

What an awesome day me and little Roo have had meeting the friendly folk of Wigan!

The town was buzzing with loads of families out enjoying the summer holidays and we gave out heaps of the Take 7 Steps Out balloons to the little rippas.

My heart went all of a flutter when Mighty Max, the Wigan Warriers mascot stopped by to give a helping hand. Being a rugby gal myself, it was fantastic to flutter my eyelashes and team up with him to kick the butt of the giant cigarette that turned up. With the help of 10 year-old Charlotte Finch and 12 year-old Kieran Cooke, we all made sure that the giant cigarette took 7 Steps Out and ended up on the musical step 7.

Mighty Max wasn’t the only one to turn up to lend his support! Strewth - the hot guys from the Wigan Fire Service came by with their big, red fire engine!!

And Maria and her gang from Wigan PCT did a magical job of chatting with the folks about the campaign and what they can do to help protect the little kiddies from cigarette smoke. And how amazing that the Director of Public Health and the Medical Director for Wigan came by to help get the message out to people of Wigan.

One of the stars of the day was mum of two, Amy Barton. Amy and her mates always smoke outside to protect the little ones. She says, “If anyone comes round to mine, they’re told that they have to smoke outside. Although, saying that, all my mates with kids smoke outside now - it helps to protect the kids and stops your house smelling”.

We really have had a fab day here in Wigan. Now me and little Roo just need to grab some tukka, get some beauty sleep and re-energise for our next stop.

A beaut day in Burnley

2010-08-19T02:01:00.000-07:00

Our new little mate Shaania and beaut mum Kaileigh

Wow, what a bonza day! Me ‘n’ little Roo are having so much fun here in the UK – or Old Blighty as I hear you folks like to call it.

Today we joined the Take 7 Steps Out team in Burnley for some fun stepping action. Me ‘n’ little Roo and loads of our new young friends were hoppin’ along on the Take 7 Steps Out musical steps – what fun! Little Roo made friends with Shaania, whose Mum had already made her home smokefree and now always takes seven steps right outside to smoke to make sure our mate Shaania is safe from harm. Shaania’s beaut Mum said: “There’s nothing difficult about smoking outside. If anything, it reduces the amount you smoke.” And advised others wanting to make their home smokefree: “Be strict with people smoking around your house and family.” Mum even posed for some cracking photos with Shaania – what a sport!

Geoff Hudson from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Community Fire Safety team came along to tell people all about the fire risks of having a ciggie inside. Did you know that more than half of fire related deaths in the home are caused by cigarettes? We didn’t! Geoff spoke to loads of mine ‘n’ little Roo’s new buddies and booked in more than 30 home safety checks. Lisa Thompson from East Lancashire Smokefree Homes scheme was there too and she got ten pledges to the scheme – that’s ten families who’ve straight away signed up to take seven steps out. What a bonza of a day folks!

We even had some rays too. Not as hot as what me ‘n’ little Roo are used to and at one point, it was raining boomerangs, but by the end of the day we were all wearing sunnies with our smiles again.

Strewth, I nearly forgot – one of little Roo’s new friends gave him his first marmite sandwich for lunch today. Boy, do you blokes and sheila’s love your Marmite! We’re thinking about asking our buddies down under to send us over some Vegemite for our new friends to try – I reckon you’ll love it!

Be sure to look out for us at Standish Gate Wigan on Thursday.

Families and new friends in Bolton

2010-08-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

My new mate Emily loved the musical steps

Boy oh boy, what a wet and rainy day! But did it stop me ‘n’ little Roo having tonnes of fun? No way! The people of Bolton were out and about and we made loads of great new friends.

We had more special guests today. Paul Compton, Communications Officer from NHS Bolton came to see what was going on and gave me ‘n’ little Roo a big high-five. Sharon Tongue, Health Improvement Practitioner, NHS Bolton and Danny Khan came along to tell people all about the Bolton Smokefree Homes scheme. Did you know that it’s been running for more than four years and over 2000 families in Bolton have already pledged to go outside to smoke? Great stuff Sharon and team!

We met lots of other families who were already taking their seven steps out, including those of best friends Chloe and Emily who loved hopping along Take 7 Steps Out musical steps.

We met some people who said they smoked by a window or in a different room to the kids so it was great to speak to them and tell them all about the campaign and asking them to take 7 steps right outside to protect their little‘uns.

Little Roo and I made friends with another girl called Emily who was taking home an info pack for her Dad to ask him to take seven steps out. Emily posed for some great photo shots outside the Town Hall – the girl was a natural!

It seems we were the talk of the town here today, as The Bolton News came down to talk to us not once, but twice!

The May Logan Healthy Living Centre Sefton

2010-08-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

G’day everyone. After a well-deserved rest on Sunday, me ‘n’ little Roo couldn’t wait to get back on the road. Today we were invited to the May Logan Healthy Living Centre in Sefton. We were made to feel really welcome and it was nice be in the heart of the community.

I had to ask little Roo to be on her best behaviour as today we had some very special visitors; Councillor Tony Robertson, Leader Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council and from NHS Sefton; Joint Director of Public Health Hannah Chellaswamy, Interim Chief Executive Anita Marsland, PCT Tobacco lead Cathy Warlow, Communications Officer for Health Promotion Alex Westwell, Health Promotion Officer Nicky Waite, Suzanne Sweeney from Heart of Mersey and Naamah Wilson from Sefton Stop Smoking Service, what an impressive turn out.

What was really great about today was that heaps people we spoke to were non-smokers which was a good job cos we met lots of yummy mummies to be. Even so it’s still important to inform parents, carers and even the little ones of the facts about the dangers of secondhand smoke which will empower them to pass the message onto friends and family.

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better some guys from the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service appeared with their fire engine. It’s fantastic so many people in the community are pledging their support for Smokefree North West’s campaign, just shows what a worthwhile message Take 7 Steps Out is.

Let’s hope we get as much support tomorrow at Bolton’s Victoria Square and paws crossed we have more glorious sunshine!

Whitehaven Market - what a day!

2010-08-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

Pride the Lion, Steparoo and a fan!

Wow, what a ripper launch week! Thought I’d go with the Smokefree North West gang to the Cumbria launch and take a squizz at the lovely Whitehaven.

It was a great day to be here, as not only was it a busy market day but we were joined by three hundred of the world’s richest people who dropped by as part of their cruise on ‘The World’, also known as a ‘sailing country’. The harbour was packed and we got to chat to heaps of people.

It was a scorcher of a day, luckily I’d brought my sunnies and some factor 30 to slap on but wish I’d brought my togs now so I could have taken a dip to cool down.

Su Sear, Health Partnership Specialist and Tobacco Policy Lead from Cumbria PCT, came to help out and soon she was teaching kids some rad tunes on the musical steps. Su had more energy than me and the nippers put together! We heard from so many people who had already started to Take 7 Steps Out but found a lot of people still smoking either in one room with the window open or by an open door. Along with the great freebie packs we were giving away, hopefully we managed to deliver some helpful info about how to make homes smoke-free.

Met a friendly local couple who both smoke right outside their home with the door closed as they know it’s not fair to harm their little boy’s health because of their habit. Mum Nicola said: “We still have loads of friends who smoke in their houses but when they come round to ours that’s just not an option.” I thought they were a real inspiration so asked them to enter Smokefree North West’s competition for real life success stories of people who Take 7 Steps Out to smoke. There are some great family days out prizes up for grabs and winners will be announced at the end of August so good luck to them.

We were so excited when some of the guys from Whitehaven Rugby Club turned up, I mean I’m more of an Aussie Rules gal myself but phwoah! When Pride the Lion turned up I nearly fainted. What a hunk!

By lunchtime me and little Roo were feeling tired from all the steppin’ and chattin’ we’d been doing so we decided to grab a snack to keep our energy levels up; didn’t want the ruggers lot thinking us Sheilas can’t hack the pace. We soon perked up after a tasty Cumbrian snack and an ice lolly from the market and were struttin’ our stuff on the steps when a nice photographer from the Whitehaven News turned up to get some shots. With all these snaps of us in the papers we’ll be more famous than Great Uncle Skippy the Bush Kangaroo come September.

Talking of famous, the Take 7 Steps Out TV advert certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed and I can’t believe how many people had seen it after only a few days on TV. It is certainly a conversation starter and seems folk really understand the message - the team should be proud for all their hard work.

Catch us on Monday at the May Logan Healthy Living Centre in Sefton.

Ta-ra for now.

Steparoo and little Roo x

Ellesmere Port

2010-08-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

Gillian Stockwell with her daughters Heather and Emily, Steparoo and John Church

The smell of the sea air greeted us in Ellesmere Port today as we pulled into the market to meet the Smokefree North West team. It’s something we don’t experience very often, living in the outback but it’s one we’re beginning to associate with good times and good people.

Me ‘n’ little Roo were in the markets in Ellesmere today and had a good wander around chatting to the lovely folk round here who were curious about what me ‘n’ little Roo were doing so far away from home. I told ‘em that I was trying to expand little Roo’s experiences by showing her a bit of the world before she has to go to school. Next thing I know she was trying on fairy wings in at one of the stalls with a bunch of local girls, working out what handbags matched. That ‘un has the marking of a fashion designer I tell you.

We had some fantastic visitors again today including John Church, chairman on the board of Western Cheshire PCT, who stopped by to offer his support to our Take 7 Steps Out campaign.

Gillian Stockwell and her gorgeous three children, Heather, Emily and Michael Parr also stopped by to learn more about the Take 7 Steps Out campaign. She started smoking when she was 21 but now tries very hard to protect her children from breathing her cigarette smoke. Gillian said: “I smoke at the back door but I know this isn’t far enough away. Whenever friends come round and they smoke at the back door I can still smell it entering the house. I’m going to move further away from the door now.”

Good on ya girl!

Anyways, it’s way past little Roo’s bedtime and I have to prise her out of these fairy wings before she goes to sleep, but hopefully see you tomorrow. We’ll be in Cumbria at Whitehaven Market and I heard their might be a rugby team swinging by to say hello.

Steparoo and little Roo x