New Toolkit Launched to Help Schools and Professionals Tackle Youth Vaping Across Wirral
A new Children and Young People Vaping Toolkit has been launched to support schools, youth settings and professionals across Wirral in responding to the growing challenge of youth vaping.
Developed through partnership working between Wirral Public Health, Trading Standards, Health Services in Schools (HSIS), Let's Talk Service, ABL and other local organisations, the toolkit brings together the latest guidance, resources and support pathways into one practical reference guide for professionals working with children and young people.
The publication comes at a time when vaping remains a significant concern nationally. While smoking rates among young people continue to decline, vaping has become increasingly common, with around one in five young people aged 11–17 reporting that they have tried vaping. The toolkit aims to help professionals have informed conversations with young people, identify concerns early and provide access to appropriate support.
The guide includes:
Information on youth vaping and nicotine addiction.
Updates on legislation and enforcement activity.
Guidance for schools and youth settings.
Evidence-based educational resources.
Information for parents and carers.
Support services for young people who want to stop vaping.
Professional training opportunities and referral pathways.
A key feature of the toolkit is its emphasis on a whole-school and whole-community approach, recognising that vaping is not simply a disciplinary issue but one that sits across health, wellbeing, safeguarding and education. The toolkit encourages schools and youth organisations to embed vaping education within wider health and wellbeing programmes while maintaining clear policies and support pathways.
The resource also highlights the important role of local enforcement activity. Information shared by schools and professionals can help Trading Standards target illegal sales and protect children and young people from accessing age-restricted products.
For young people already experiencing nicotine dependence, the toolkit signposts support available through ABL's specialist smoking and vaping cessation service, alongside confidential support available through HSIS Youth Workers working in Wirral secondary schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
The toolkit has been produced through a collaborative effort involving public health professionals, youth services, education partners, Trading Standards and health organisations across the borough. Contributors include representatives from Wirral Council, ABL, Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust and Health Services in Schools.
Professionals are encouraged to review the toolkit, share relevant resources with colleagues, parents and carers, and provide feedback to help shape future updates.
The Children and Young People Vaping Toolkit is now available for schools, colleges, youth settings and professionals working with children and young people across Wirral.