New campaign aims to start a conversation about vaping

L-R: Jenna Hoogeveen (Surfcoast College), Tatiana Kessler & Mae Bell (headspace), Jessica Noesgaard (Read the Play) and Susan Parker (health promotion officer, Barwon Health) at the launch. Photos: SUPPLIED

ALTHOUGH smoking rates have reduced in recent decades, the prevalence of e-cigarette use increased significantly in Victoria over the past three years, particularly among young people.

While the majority of young people do not vape, and the ban on importing and selling e-cigarettes has been implemented, many young people still vape.

Some people find it hard to stop the habit of vaping due to the highly addictive nicotine that is often used, and there is also evidence that people who smoke or vape regularly are more likely to report mental health concerns.

In response, Barwon Health in collaboration with young people and organisations across the region, including headspace, Meli, Read the Play, and RUOK has produced a new health promotion resource that recognises the potential link between nicotine use and mental health concerns.

L-R: Students Petra Poindon and Olivia Lawrie with the posters.

A new set of posters encourages young people to “start a conversation” with friends who vape to help them think about the reason they vape and whether there is a healthier alternative option.

The posters direct young people to an online resource that offers information on services that can support them in giving up vaping and suggestions for stress relief.

Theywill soon be displayed in schools, sports clubs, youth centres and on McHarrys buses, promoting peer support and helping guide young people towards a healthier future.

The resources were launched in Geelong earlier this month at an event that brought together the key partners in the initiative.