Teenagers offered free help to quit vaping

The scheme offers confidential help and advice to teenagers

A free service has been launched to help young people quit vaping, following concerns about its unknown long-term effects.

Under the scheme, teenagers in Slough, Berkshire, would be offered free nicotine replacement therapy and "judgement-free" support from trained advisors.

The six to 12-week programme was designed by Health and Wellbeing Slough, on behalf of the borough council.

In the UK, it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to people under the age of 18 and for adults to buy them on their behalf.

'Your chance to stop'

A council spokesperson said: "While vapes may seem like a safer alternative to smoking, they aren’t harmless - especially if you’ve never smoked before.

"No matter the reason you started vaping, because of peer pressure, curiosity or just thought it was 'no big deal', this is your chance to stop - and we’re here to support you every step of the way."

While vaping is not considered as harmful as smoking cigarettes, some health experts have warned non-smokers not to start vaping, over concerns it could cause long-term damage to their lungs, hearts and brains.

The council said it was working with local colleges and schools to promote the scheme and was also planning to run workshops.

To access the confidential service, it said teenagers should ask their school nurse for a referral or text QUIT Vape to 66777.

Earlier this month, the government announced a Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which proposes outlawing vape advertising and sponsorship and to restrict the flavours, packaging and display of vapes and other nicotine products.