Spotlight on ASH- Action on Smoking and Health

Who are we?

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a health campaigning, non-governmental organisation located in London, UK. ASH was founded in 1971 by the Royal College of Physicians and we have maintained our links with the RCP and other medical institutions to the present day. ASH is not involved directly with stop smoking service delivery but does campaign for effective smoking cessation policies. We are a small advocacy organisation that works with the health community in the UK and beyond to raise awareness about the health hazards of using tobacco and to campaign for measures that will lead to a reduction in smoking and the ill-health that it causes.

Who do we represent?

Our aim is to improve the health and well-being of all UK citizens by ensuring policies are in place to reduce smoking and the harm caused by tobacco.

What is our mission?

Our vision is a world free from the harm caused by tobacco. We work towards this goal by lobbying for evidence based measures to affect policy change that reduce the harm caused by tobacco.

What do we do?

ASH provides an up-to-date information service and disseminates the latest news and research on tobacco and health via the ASH website and the media. We produce a range of publications such as factsheets and reports on all aspects of tobacco and smoking. ASH staff provide expert advice to politicians, journalists, health professionals and the public. We lobby politicians and other decision-makers to implement evidence-based policies to reduce tobacco-related harm. We monitor the tobacco industry and expose industry malpractice, by for example, staging demonstrations at tobacco company meetings. (See photos). ASH also acts as a catalyst for tobacco control activity in the UK and internationally by networking with colleagues in health and welfare organisations.

How do you get involved?

ASH is not a membership based organisation but we encourage people to get involved by supporting our campaigning activities. Details of how people can support our work are included on the Campaigns page of the ASH website.