A ground-breaking initiative to support pupils and teachers across Wales to better understand and deal with youth vaping has been backed by the car rental business, Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

The commitment from Enterprise means ASH Wales can press ahead with the creation of an unique programme of resources for schools throughout 2024.

The schools’ initiative was launched after ASH Wales’ extensive engagement with the education sector and support services identified youth vaping as an emerging area of concern.

Chief Executive of ASH Wales, Suzanne Cass said: “We have witnessed a significant increase in usage among young people and vaping products are often cheaply manufactured overseas and are available at pocket money prices from retailers throughout Wales.

“Whilst we know these are age restricted products, we also know that illegal sales are taking place every single day in every single community.”

The schools’ project aims to help teachers establish an appropriate response to youth vaping in their settings, and eliminate a negative stigma for children who may be dealing with a multitude of challenges.

Other aims of the project include:

• Headteachers, educators, local authorities and enforcement officers are collectively better informed on vaping and take appropriate disciplinary steps that don’t further alienate young people
• Reduce the number of young people vaping in schools
• Ensures students who need it have access to addiction support services
• Ensure more of these products are recycled correctly.

James Goodall, Enterprise Mobility Regional Sales Director, for Wales & South England, said: “Enterprise is committed to playing a positive role in the communities in which we operate. This project will enable ASH to share information and advice to teachers and students on an important issue.”