Youth voice driving change on vaping

Members of the youth council identified vaping as a growing concern among their peers and took action to address the issue. They raised their concerns directly with local authority leaders during cabinet meetings, highlighting the increasing normalisation and availability of vapes among young people.In response, the youth council collaborated with youth workers, health professionals, and external organisations such as Swansea University and Ash Wales to develop an informed response. This included contributing to a co-produced presentation to raise awareness on vaping and its risks, designed for delivery across schools and youth settings. The presentation also tackled environmental concerns raised by young people, such as the improper disposal of single use vapes.The youth council’s advocacy led to the development of a multi-agency action plan that included staff training, peer education, targeted campaigns, and test purchasing initiatives. Through their involvement, young people ensured that the messaging and actions were shaped by youth voice, making them more relatable and impactful for their peers.

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