Healthwatch Blackpool are pleased to publish our report on vaping in Blackpool. Throughout this project, we gathered crucial data and insights that shed light on the prevalence and impact of vaping, highlighting the views and experiences of children and young people, their families, and professionals who work with children and young people.
Some of the key facts and numbers that emerged from our comprehensive report:
- The report involved an impressive 4,170 children and young people.
- 31% of young people who completed the survey currently vape or sometimes vape.
- It was found that 42% of the children and young people who stated that they currently vape or sometimes vape, have been vaping for 1-2 years.
- 75% of children who vape reported using disposable vapes.
- 9% of young people revealed that they have started smoking as a result of vaping.
- A significant majority, 65% of children and young people, expressed a preference for fruity flavoured vapes.
- 52% of children and young people were unaware that vapes with over 600 puffs are illegal, stressing the necessity for education and information.
- The feedback from 138 teachers and professionals highlighted their concerns and the need for further education, with 74% expressing a desire for more knowledge about vaping.
- In addition, 33% of teachers and professionals voiced their concerns about the lack of research surrounding vaping.
- The input from 297 local parents and carers revealed that 46% of them raised concerns about safety and long-term health.
- Furthermore, 10% of parents and carers commented on the concerning accessibility of vapes, indicating a need for increased regulation and restrictions.
We would like to extend special recognition to Public Health Blackpool for their invaluable support throughout this project. Their collaboration and guidance have been instrumental in enabling us to gather large-scale local insights and develop evidence-based recommendations.
What’s next? As we move forward, Healthwatch Blackpool is committed to taking concrete steps to address the challenges identified in our vaping insight piece. We are excited to share our plans for the future:
- Liaising with Public Health partners: We will continue to collaborate closely with Public Health Blackpool to develop and shape conversations based on the feedback.
- Sharing insights at the “Smoking Cessation and Health (SCAH) Conference 2023”: We have been invited to present our findings at the upcoming SCAH Conference, where we will share our insights with healthcare professionals, researchers, and stakeholders.
- Raising the profile nationally through the call for evidence: We will actively participate in national initiatives, such as the ongoing call for evidence on vaping, to contribute our findings, raising awareness on a broader scale and influencing policy discussions.
- Sharing with health and care: We are committed to disseminating our final report to local health and care providers. By sharing our insights, we aim to foster collaboration and collective action to address the challenges posed by vaping in our community.
We believe that these steps will help drive positive change and shape solutions that directly benefit the people of Blackpool. Once again, we extend our appreciation for your support and engagement with this project. Your continued partnership and collaboration are crucial as we strive to shape a healthier future for Blackpool.
