Background:
There has been a rise in the number of students in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough identifying themselves as regular vape users, an increase from 2% in 2021 to 5% in 2022. The programme aims to reverse the trend over the next two years. The ‘Catch Your Breath’ offer has been developed to support young people aged 11 – 18 who are known to be smokers/vapers and is delivered free of charge.

Objectives:
• Referral pathways for any young person who wishes to quit smoking or vaping or would benefit from some advice on the potential risks of these behaviours. • Reverse the upward spiral of young people vaping (as evidenced by the data collected through the Health Related Behaviour Survey).

Methods:
Educational sessions focusing on prevention, with universal delivery to students via an interactive workshop, and prevention assemblies. Training is delivered within the schools to pupils and teachers. We then equip teachers with the skills, knowledge and materials to continue providing evidence-based information relatable to the age of the year group. By supporting staff to self-deliver, we can then move onto new schools to continue the work in a sustainable way.

Results:
Between May 2022 and May 2023, we have had participation from 1520 primary pupils and 15,462 secondary pupils. From the data assimilated between September ’22 – May ’23, 966 pupils said “No” to smoking at the beginning of the session, compared with 1003 by the end. Likewise, 772 pupils said “No” to vaping at the beginning of the session compared with 851 at the end. Indicating a promising reversal in perception.

Conclusions:
The Catch Your Breath programme has received interest from over 50 schools outside this area and over 35 requests from local authorities proving a need for wider spread vaping education and support.