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Unique service launches to help Guernsey youngsters quit vaping

For the next six months QuitVape will work in schools to reduce the number of 12 to 18 year olds vaping.

Public Health is collaborating with the charity Action for Children to run a service to help young islanders avoid the potential health problems associated with vape addiction.

QuitVape will offer a digital and physical self-help booklet, face-to-face advice sessions and nicotine replacement therapy as a last step.

Alex Hawkins Drew from Public Health says no one else in Britain is doing it:

"We're not aware of any tiered services that are available elsewhere.

"We're partnering with Action for Children who've got those skills and engage with young people on a regular basis.

"We're not aware that is being replicated anywhere else."

She says a recent survey of 2,000 young people showed 12% vape and 9% vape daily.

Help will only be offered to those youngsters who self refer.

Aaron Davies, Service Manager at Action for Children, says that although the sale of vapes to under-18s was banned in Guernsey from 1 June 2025, some young people still struggle.

"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.”

School Nurse Team Leader, Katie Hill, says the service has the potential to help a lot of young people.

“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.”

The initiative is on a six month trial.

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