Vaping
There is growing evidence that vaping is one of the most effective aids to stopping smoking.
Vaping is 95 percent less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
Using a vape can help manage nicotine cravings and is particularly effective when used alongside behaviour support.
To get the best outcome, make sure you're using the right strangth of e-liquid.
You won't get the full benefit from vaping unless you stop smoking cigarettes completely.
Whilst vaping can be effective in helping people that smoke to quit, vapes are not recommended for non-smokers, and their sale and use are illegal for under 18s.
There is an increasing trend of youth vaping with growing concern around the long term impacts of vaping among young people.
Havering has a five-year Tobacco Harm Reduction Strategy (2024-2029) which includes a commitment to reduce vaping harm among young people through education, partnership working with Trading Standards, and the development of a vape needs assessment to identify the extent of vaping locally amongst young people, types of substance being consumed and to outline effective measures to tackle youth vaping.
Local services
The Independant British Vape Trade Association has details of local registered retailers. Havering has a swap to stop scheme offer through the Smokefree App to help you quit smoking. Get more information about e-cigarettes on the NHS website.
How you can make a change
Members of the public can:
- encourage your friends or relatives that smoke to consider using a vape to help them quit smoking for good.
- tell them about the free Smokefree App where they can get support as and when they need it, access to lots of tools such as quit plans, 24 hour advisor support, and free vapes posted directly to them.
Professionals working in the area can:
- encourage those smoking to quit using a vape to help them as it is much more effective than willpower alone and other Nicotine Replacement Therapy products such as gum or lozenges. Remind them of the health benefits to themselves, their loved ones and the importance of creating a smokefree environment.
- actively signpost to the Smokefree App for free online support and vape kits sent directly to the client.