Launch of QuitVape: the Young People’s Stop Vaping Service
Initiative is part of a six-month pilot aimed at helping people aged 12 to 18 to reduce their vaping habits amid growing health concerns regarding nicotine addiction.
- QuitVape targets young people aged 12 to 18, extending to 25 for care leavers.
- The service launches as a pilot programme for six months
- It aims to reduce vaping among youth following new regulations banning sales to under-18s.
- Three tiers of support include a self-help booklet, face-to-face tapering advice, and immediate cessation services.
- Action for Children is commissioned to deliver Tier 2 services.
Public Health Services, in partnership with Action for Children, has launched QuitVape: the Young People’s Stop Vaping Service.
This initiative is part of a six-month pilot programme aimed at helping people aged 12 to 18, and extending to 25 for care leavers, to reduce their vaping habits amid growing health concerns regarding nicotine addiction.
The introduction of a regulatory framework on 1st June 2025 prohibits the sale of vaping products to individuals under 18. QuitVape is designed to address potential health risks associated with vaping, offering tailored support to those in need.
The service consists of three distinct tiers:
Tier 1: Access to a self-help booklet, which is available both online and at educational and community facilities.
Tier 2: A six-session face-to-face service providing vape tapering advice and extended behavioural support, managed by Action for Children.
Tier 3: A more intensive face-to-face service provided by the School Nursing team, which includes vaping cessation strategies and nicotine replacement therapy for individuals who are severely dependent on nicotine.
In 2022, 38% of secondary age students surveyed as part of the Guernsey Young People’s Survey reported that they had tried vaping and 10% recorded vaping regularly.
Aaron Davies, Service Manager at Action for Children, said, "We are pleased to be collaborating with Public Health on this service. 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."
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, said the launch of this pilot service had 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, said: "We would encourage young people who want to quit vaping to first work through the booklet and try the tips and advice. 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."
Initial outreach efforts will focus on promoting the Tier 1 self-help booklet to young individuals, while face-to-face consultations are scheduled to commence in July. For additional resources, the self-help booklet and frequently asked questions can be accessed at gov.gg/quitvape. For more intensive support, individuals can scan the provided QR code or follow the link: https://forms.office.com/e/Cqr2i8kqWF.
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