A pilot scheme to help teenagers and care leavers stop vaping is launching today.
Guernsey’s Public Health Services and Action for Children, are aiming QuitVape at young people aged between 12 and 18, or up to age 25 for care leavers.
Following the recently introduced ban on vape sales to under-18s, the new service offers those who want to quit a three-tier approach, through self-help booklets, face-to-face behavioural support, and intensive nicotine replacement therapy.
The scheme was announced after a survey of school children found a quarter of all under-18s people, who have started vaping, already wish they could stop.
The self-help booklets are available online, and in schools and community spaces, while the face-to-face support will feature six sessions with Action for Children, for tapering and behavioural support.
The self-help materials are available now, with face-to-face sessions starting in July.
Aaron Davies, Service Manager at Action for Children, said the collaboration between charities and the States of Guernsey will help have a direct impact on young lives.
“We are pleased to be collaborating with Public Health on this service.
Mr Davies continued: “QuitVape expands on work Action for Children already undertake with young people and will allow us to provide specific stop vaping support to young people who are struggling to quit on their own. It also complements the lessons we provide in schools through PSHE.”
The intensive support will be provided by the School Nursing team.
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, said it aims to offer immediate cessation and nicotine replacement therapy for severe addiction.
“Launch of this pilot service has been a real team effort, we are pleased to be utilising both existing expertise within Public Health through the School Nursing team, as well as commissioning part of the service to Action for Children who are a fantastic fit for providing this service to young people.”
Katie Hill, School Nurse Team Leader, will be among those working directly with the young people using the service.
“It’s fantastic news that this pilot service will be running from the 25th June. We would encourage young people who want to quit vaping to first work through the booklet and try the tips and advice.
Ms Hill continued: “If young people are still struggling to cut down or quit, they can refer themselves to the face-to-face service through a simple online form.”