Council teams up with football clubs to help fans

KCC councillor Dan Watkins (pictured) said the clubs were at the heart of their communities

A county council has linked up with three local football clubs to help raise awareness of free stop smoking and mental health support.

Kent County Council (KCC) has partnered with Dartford, Folkestone Invicta and Dover Athletic football clubs to help fans who want to kick the habit or need someone to talk to.

Pitch side banners and posters are being put up displaying the adverts and they can also be seen in match day programmes.

KCC councillor Dan Watkins said: “The clubs are at the heart of their communities and able to help us encourage residents to kick the habit, or reach out for support when life feels tough”.

Overall, KCC said the number of people smoking continues to fall and now about one in 10 Kent residents light up, which is slightly below the national average.

However, some parts of the county have seen smoking numbers increase, it added, including Folkestone and Hythe, Dover and Gravesham.

A spokesperson for Dartford FC said the club was proud to be part of the initiative and had placed pitch side banners reflecting its commitment.

“No one should think they need to face these challenges alone,” they said.