Healthwatch Report – Students’ experiences of smoking and vaping

19th February

Healthwatch Derbyshire Report – Students’ experiences of smoking and vaping

In autumn 2024, we spoke to 267 college students from Buxton & Leek, Chesterfield, and Derby Colleges to understand why young people smoke, vape, or choose not to. 

The report is attached or can be accessed here: https://www.healthwatchderbyshire.co.uk/reports-and-publications/students-experiences-of-smoking-and-vaping

Our key recommendations include:

• Offering resources and support to help young people manage stress and improve their emotional well-being
• Make sure that there's clear messaging about the long-term health risks of smoking and vaping for young people
• Raise awareness of local stop-smoking services to help young people quit smoking or vaping
• Read the full report to explore the findings and recommendations shaping efforts toward a smoke-free Derbyshire.

The links below have been provided by the Live Life Better Derbyshire team to help support organisations/groups/schools/young people with resources about vaping.

Vaping: The Facts | Smokefree Sheffield

Vaping – KS3 form time activities | PHE School Zone

Catch Your Breath – the smoking and vaping programme for schools - Healthy Schools (healthyschoolscp.org.uk)

ASH-guidance-for-school-vaping-policies.pdf