Vaping project launched

Two proactive young volunteers noticed the impact vaping was having on their peers and wanted to do something about it. They have helped us create a survey to look at teenagers' perceptions of vaping and what resources are available to them.   

Youthwatch, a branch of local health champion Healthwatch Hampshire, launched their vaping survey this week, which is the first part of a project to address concerns around vaping in young people.   

According to Action on Smoking and Health, in 2024 vaping rates for 11–17-year-olds in Great Britain were 7.2%, and 72% reported that they were exposed to vape promotion whether online or in shops.  A project on vaping in young people by  Healthwatch Blackpool in 2023 highlighted that 31% of respondents vaped or sometimes vaped. This project contributed to the bill banning sales of vapes to under 18s.  

With the effort of the young volunteers and the support of Healthwatch Hampshire staff, the survey will be sent out to schools across Hampshire to gather feedback and be used to create a harm reduction campaign for young people in the next school year. 

Commenting, Kate Knowlton, Manager from Healthwatch Hampshire, said: 

"These amazing young people came to us with the passion and ideas for this project. It is a very important topic and something we are excited to work on with them”  

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