Vaping
In recent years, e-cigs or vapes have become very popular with young people in the UK. They are considered less harmful than tobacco cigarettes and in some circumstances are used to can help people quit smoking tobacco.
E-cigs and Vapes haven’t been around all that long though and most still contain Nicotine which is a highly addictive substance that our brains are hardwired to respond to.
E-Cigs and Vaping
This video from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA gives a brief look into the culture and risks to E-cigs and Vaping.
Vaping and culture
The reason why someone may choose to start vaping will be different for everyone but there are some common issues that may make it more likely that a person may be more likely to take up vaping.
Living with other people who smoke and or vape
easy access to vaping equipment
hanging round with other people who smoke/ vape
depictions of vaping on TV, film and other media.
It is estimated that young people who live with parents and siblings who smoke are three times more likely to become smokers themselves.
The Law
The legal age to buy vapes in the UK is 18 years old. This includes related products such as vape devices, coils, atomizers, vape juice, or heated tobacco products. It is also illegal for adults to buy – or be found attempting to buy – tobacco or vaping products for anyone under the age of 18.
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Managing pressure from peers
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Try to prepare yourself. Think about how you will respond if you are offered a vape so you will know what to say.
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Surround yourself with people who you trust. Friends should understand and respect you for saying no. Think about who is offering you the vape and why. If they are your friends they should understand and respect you for saying no. People who you don't know may also expect something in return.
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Say ‘no’ firmly but clearly and without making a big deal about it. If they try to persuade you, don’t’ feel like you have to change your mind.
If you think you would find it hard to say no to your friends if you were offered a vape by them. Take a step back and think about whether it is time to find some new people to hang around with.
Why is nicotine so addictive?
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that our brains are hard wired to respond to. This video from Quit Victoria explains how nicotine works on the brain.
Get help now to stop vaping.
Further Support
ABL Health
Call Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
Telephone: 0151 541 5656
Or text ABL to 60777 (texts are free - you do not need credit)
A Better Life Wirral is a smoking cessation service run by ABL Health, as part of the service we manage in cooperation with Wirral Council.
Support and advice to help you stop smoking
If you – or someone you care about – live or work in Wirral and want to stop smoking, we can help. You can speak to your GP about our service or contact us directly.
We work locally with the NHS to provide all the advice, support and therapy you need to help you break the habit, and most people who come to us manage to give up within 12 weeks – for good.
There are no waiting times, our service is FREE (including your nicotine replacement therapy) and you can even refer yourself.
Begin your journey to a smokefree you today.
Our Stop Smoking Service helps individuals quit smoking for good. Our aim is to support you in understanding why you smoke, to identify and manage your cravings and offer advice around relapse prevention. Our evidence-based 12 week programme offers flexible support, tailored to each person’s needs. Every year we help over 1500 to stop smoking.
We have lots of experience working with pregnant women, young people, and people with long-term medical and/or mental health conditions.
Our dedicated and friendly advisors can support anyone who lives or works in The Wirral and offer a range of free of one-to-one and drop in sessions. Self-help, telephone and online support is also available.
We provide FREE access to a range of nicotine replacement products and stop smoking medication to help you with your quit.
Our service is available to anyone who lives or works in The Wirral.
Wirral 0 - 19 Service
Welcome to the Wirral 0-19 Duty Service, your dedicated resource for all inquiries related to children and young people aged 0 to 19 years old. Our service will provide comprehensive support, guidance, and information to parents, caregivers, and individuals seeking assistance within the Wirral community.
At Wirral 0-19 Duty Service, we understand the importance of addressing the needs and concerns that arise during a child's life. Whether you have questions about parenting, education, health, or any other matter concerning children and young people, we're here to help.
You can reach out to us Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm by calling our dedicated contact number: 0151 514 0219
Chat Health
Young people can access confidential support and advice from a school nurse via
ChatHealth – 07480 635538
Response
If you, or someone you know is having problems with drug and/or alcohol misuse Response can provide help and support. Response offers a wide range of support for young people, aged 13 - 19, including drugs & alcohol, counselling and lifestyle support.
To contact the team call 0151 666 4123 or email response@wirral.gov.uk
We encourage anyone looking for advice to call us, Monday to Friday 9am-8pm.
Referrals can be made on this number to both the Counselling Team and the Alcohol and Substance Team. We are able to offer 1-2-1 support for Young People who are struggling with their alcohol or substance use, and often work with other agencies to support Young People in diversionary activities . We deliver professionals training (currently online) that can be accessed through https://www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk/training/ and lead on the Arrowe Park Hospital Alcohol and Substance Pathway and engage with Young People who have presented at A&E due to substance use. We also provide workshops to parents in collaboration with Health Service In Schools and CAMHS.