NEWI students had a surprise when they were greeted by a giant talking cigarette in their Students' Union on National No Smoking Day.
The peculiar guest, along with helpers from Wrexham Local Health Board, were there to encourage students to quit.
The team - accompanied by NEWI's on-campus nurses Ann Edwards and Carol Walker - promoted the campaign through a special prize draw.
'Red cards were handed out to anyone we caught smoking and green cards to any nonsmokers,' explained Carol.
'The red cards entitled the bearer to a free test on a smokerlyser the following day, which would tell them what their carbon monoxide levels were and show them how much damage smoking is doing to their lungs.'
Carol added: 'The green cards enabled students to be entered into a prize draw to win student essentials.
'It's always interesting to try and raise important health issues in as fun and interactive way as possible. I think that
people will be quite surprised when they see the results of their carbon monoxide tests, sometimes seeing something visual is the only way you realise the damage that you are doing to your body.'
And today, Thursday, March 16, the nurses are running a Stress Awareness Day where, along with a number of workshops and information stands, free yoga sessions will be offered.
The event will take place in the NEWI foyer and William Aston Hall and at the North Wales School of Art and Design on Regent Street.
