UK Gov: Raising Age of Sale and Ban on Disposable Vapes

A package of measures announced by the UK Government as part of its response to the consultation on smoking and vaping, is being welcomed by the health charity ASH Wales.

Suzanne Cass, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health Wales, said, “Today’s announcements are a vital stepping stone on the path to ending the smoking epidemic once and for all. The UK Government’s strategy, which is supported by Welsh Government, is the right one: stop smoking initiation, support smokers to quit by using the most effective methods, while protecting children by curbing youth vaping. Smoking kills 5,600 people every year in Wales and costs the Welsh NHS more than £300m. Smoking is the silent killer that hides in plain sight. Ending this scourge on society is long overdue.”

  • Ban on disposable vapes

ASH was first to raise the alarm about disposable vapes fueling a growth in underage vaping, after our UK survey data in 2022 showed an uptick in underage vaping with disposables the majority choice. This trend has continued and in 2023 and 69% of underage vapers said they use disposable vapes.

Disposable vapes are widely available for pocket money prices, attractive and easy to use, and environmentally damaging and tough action is needed. However, there are significant challenges to making a ban work, and there need to be exemptions for use by healthcare professionals with vulnerable smokers.

  • New powers to restrict vape flavours, introduce plain packaging and change how vapes are displayed in shops so that they don’t appeal to children.

Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: “The UK Government is taking vital powers to control the design and promotion of e-cigarettes to prevent them being promoted to children. The comic characters, bright colours and sweet names so appealing to children are unacceptable for products that should only be promoted to adults as an aid to quitting smoking.”

  • New law will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009,

The new law is supported by all the leading health organisations including the medical royal colleges, health charities and professional associations. A large online survey by YouGov for ASH Wales found that six in ten (62%) adults in Wales already support the legislation, with only 15% opposed.

For more information, please contact Louise Elliott:

louise.elliott@ashwales.org.uk

 

Youth Vaping Education Package

ASH Wales currently offer a Youth Vaping Education Package. For more information please contact Tirion Meredith:

tirion.meredith@ashwales.org.uk

ASH Wales in 2023

2023 has been one of significant change here at ASH Wales, as we research and advise on the rise of youth vaping as well as continuing our crucial work in tobacco control.

There was big news in smoking history in 2023 with the UK Government’s plan to raise the Age of Sale on Tobacco, this proposed legislation will mean it will be an offence for anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 to be sold tobacco products. This is a huge step in the right direction and ASH Wales fully supports this.

We have amazing plans for 2024 to support Welsh Communities with Smoking and Vaping, but first let’s have a look at just some of the work we did in 2023.

Consultations

Vaping Focus Group

Earlier in 2023, as a direct response to the vaping concerns from our communities, ASH Wales organised a pivotal Focus Group with Teachers and Senior School Members from across Wales. We listened to the concerns and experiences of those dealing first hand with young people who are vaping and are experiencing nicotine dependency.

It was clear there was a need for more support and education on e-cigarettes and what nicotine dependency can mean for young people, so we stepped in with the below:

Webinars

Some of you may already know and have joined us for our webinars. ASH Wales delivered a series of Webinars on Vaping and the Illicit Market in Wales, thanks to our funders at The Community Fund. Over 320 of you joined us for the live events, discussing the facts, the statistics, shared concerns and asked important questions.

With help from some important guest speakers from Hywel Dda University Health Board with their excellent support work for young people with nicotine dependency, and Trading Standards Wales with the imperative investigations and closure orders on sellers of illegal products.

Through the series we outlined the basics on vapes, how they’re impacting children and young people, how we can take supportive action in schools, and how to report criminal sellers.

If you missed the live webinars, you can watch them on our website by registering below – and keep your eyes peeled for future webinars:

Webinars

Vaping Survey

When trying to design resources and projects on this topic, we saw there was a lack of data on vaping prevalence and experiences among young people. There wasn’t a clear picture on what the vaping landscape looked like.

In the first of its kind survey, an overwhelming amount of secondary school pupils have participated in our Vaping Survey. Over 11,000 students across Wales have shared their experiences and opinions with us on vaping.

This data will provide a never-seen-before insight into the issue of underage vaping and illegal vaping products and could guide Wales in the right direction of solutions and support networks.

The survey has now closed, and the results will be shared in the New Year, so keep an eye on our socials and your inbox for the latest news on this.

School Support

We recognise that there is little information and support for teachers, school nurses, parents and carers. As a response, vaping resources and workshops have been developed by ASH Wales for schools across Wales, including teacher training and guidance on lessons through a holistic approach in contexts such as peer pressure and decision making.

These are currently being piloted in Anglesey and will be available in the New Year,

No Ifs. No Butts.

Teaming up with funders Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, in 2023, we tackled the illicit Tobacco and Vape Market in North Wales.

With an increase in community outreach events and enforcement work with Trading Standards Wales, the campaign saw a boost in reports for North Wales as well as an overall increase in campaign awareness and engagement across Wales.

The campaign push for North Wales assisted Trading Standards Wales to further their investigations and support enforcement seizures, disrupting criminals and their sales to our Welsh communities and protecting young people from addiction. It important we continue to report criminals to reduce the availability and accessibility of these products to our children and young people.

If you would like to know more about this work, or would like to anonymously report sales or suspicious activity in your area, please click the link below:

Report

Annual Survey

Each year ASH Wales conduct a national survey across Wales for an overview on smoking and vaping prevalence. The survey provides an insight into behaviours and attitudes towards smoking and vaping; information that is pivotal in guiding health policies, campaigns and outreach work, not just for ASH Wales but for our friends in other organisations tackling similar issues.

In Wales, 13% of adults told us they smoke and the majority say they want to give up at some point. The health, financial and societal benefits of quitting are huge, so finding positive and appropriate ways to support these people remains a priority for us all.

For the latest update, click below to view the report:

Read The Latest Survey

StopiOctober

In 2022, we created Wales’ answer to Stoptober, StopiOctober, and promoted stop-smoking services across the country online.

In 2023, we stepped up our game with the second year of StopiOctober activities, visiting our communities with resources to talk about the benefits of quitting smoking. Our Project Delivery Leader, Tirion visited Schools to discuss the importance of avoiding cigarettes and smoking as well as the benefits of quitting.

ASH Wales also organised pop-up events at hospitals to promote their smoke-free status and to discuss quitting with patients and staff members.

 

 

 

WHAT HAVE WE GOT PLANNED FOR 2024?

So what’s happening this year?

Watch this space for progress on the UK Legislation on Raising the Age of Sale, further work on our Smokefree Spaces such as beaches and hospitals, educational and training webinars, vaping projects and support, school resources and workshops and so much more!

 

Enterprise Rent-a-Car Support Schools Vaping Education Initiative

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.”

Ditching the Cigarettes: 5 Steps to Quitting For The New Year

With the new year approaching, we all have the opportunity for a fresh start. Why not add giving up cigarettes to your resolution list this new year and start your journey to a smoke-free 2024?

Our 5 steps to quitting below are the perfect guide to kickstart your quitting journey. Why not give it a go this new year, whether it be on your own, or alongside your friends and family?

  1. Identify Your Triggers

There are several common triggers that may cause people to reach for a cigarette. These include:

  • Habits you associate with smoking (such as having a cup of coffee)
  • Alcohol
  • Stress

Several smokers find that coffee and alcohol can trigger the impulse for a cigarette. If this is the case for you, try to limit or avoid these drinks during your quitting journey to help resist the temptation.

If stress can be a trigger for you, start by trying to identify the cause of it. For example, if your stress is work-related, you could try talking to your manager about your workload, or any other concerns you might have, to try and reach a solution. Other general methods for managing stress could also help you. One popular method is practicing calming breathing exercises. There are several apps, such as Headspace, that offer free audio guides to talk you through these techniques and aim to improve your mental wellbeing. Talking to your friends and family could also help to release pent-up emotions and stress, leaving you with a clearer mind.

If you do slip up, it’s ok! Part of this journey is learning from your mistakes and everybody’s journey is different. Use this as an opportunity to identify the things that can cause you to reach for a cigarette and learn from this going forward. Most importantly, don’t give up and continue to believe that you can do this.

 

  1. Find out what resources are out there for support

You’re not on your own in this journey and there are plenty of resources available for support. The NHS provides several solutions to help you go smoke-free, including the Help Me Quit service, which makes you four times more likely to stop smoking than going it alone. Support is tailored to your needs to give you the best chance of quitting and is available in various places across your local area, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Pharmacies
  • Community venues
  • One to one appointments
  • Meetings with other smokers

Find out what services you could access here: https://www.helpmequit.wales/services-in-your-area/

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) can also be great in supporting your shift away from nicotine. These come in several forms, from patches to chewing gum, and supply you with a low level of nicotine to help aid the transition. Speaking to your GP or a pharmacist can help determine what the best type of NRT is for you.

To learn more about NRTs, visit our handy online guide: https://ash.wales/nrt_guide/

 

  1. Exercise and Staying Active

With a new year approaching, it’s the perfect time to take up a new activity, or maybe even return to that hobby you used to love. Whatever it is you choose to do, exercise is a great way of releasing stress and could also help to distract you from those pesky cigarette cravings.

If you haven’t got much time on your hands, getting out in the fresh air for a 10-minute walk can still have a great deal of health benefits. Get your friends and family involved and have them join you if that will make it more enjoyable!

 

  1. Make sure to reward yourself

Quitting smoking is no easy feat, so you should celebrate your achievements and reward yourself. Get your piggy banks at the ready as, by ditching the cigarettes, you could be saving yourself and your family thousands each year that can be put aside and saved for other necessities or treats.

Want to find out just how much you could be saving? Use our quick cost of smoking calculator to calculate how much you could decrease your annual spending by: https://ash.wales/cost-of-smoking/

The average smoker can save up to £2,759.40 a year by quitting. If you’re wondering what you could get with all those extra pennies, according to figures published by British Gas, you’d have enough to pay the average annual cost of bills for a two-bedroom house! You could even treat yourself, or your friends and family, to a gift for quitting – think about what reward will work best to motivate you.

 

  1. Keep a Positive Mindset

Keeping a positive mindset whilst trying to quit smoking can be challenging. Having measures in place for those days when you’re feeling down and lacking motivation to continue can help to keep you on track in this journey. One way you could do this is by creating a jar filled with notes on the reasons why you want to quit. By taking a note out of this jar when you feel like giving up, you can remind yourself of why you started this journey in the first place and hopefully feel reinspired to push through.

It is also important to remind yourself of how far you have already come. If you have managed to go even 48 hours without a cigarette, all carbon monoxide will already be flushed out of your body and your sense of taste and smell will have started improving.

 

Feeling Motivated?

Even just by following along and reading these 5 steps, you have already started your journey to a smoke-free 2024. Remember to celebrate each small victory along the way and embrace the positive changes you notice, but also be kind to yourself if it’s not all plain sailing. Continue to believe in yourself and grow from your mistakes to keep pushing and moving forward.

To feel inspired, read our real-life quit stories here: https://ash.wales/real-life-quit-stories/

Nearly Two Thirds of People in Wales Support Raising the Age of Sale – November 2023

Almost two thirds of people in Wales back raising the age of sale to create a smoke-free generation.

Plans to phase out tobacco smoking for the next generation are overwhelmingly supported by the people of Wales, new data reveals today.  

More than 6 in 10 adults in Wales say they back proposed new laws which would in effect impose a lifetime ban on young people ever smoking.  

The planned legislation, announced in the King’s Speech this autumn, would mean anyone born after 1 January 2009 would never legally be sold cigarettes.

[VIDEO] – ASH Wales Head of Policy, Louise Elliott, talking with ITV News about the benefits of raising the age of sale for tobacco products in Wales.

With one week to go until a public consultation on the measures closes, polling by the health charity ASH Wales, today shows that 62% of people in Wales, support the measure. Only 15% oppose the idea.  

Research previously carried out by ASH Wales has already shown that:  

  • 13% of adults in Wales smoke, with those living in our most deprived communities more than twice as likely to smoke than those in our most affluent areas
  • 77% of people who smoke say they had their first cigarette when they were under 18, and the vast majority of them wish they’d never started
  • 53% of people who smoke in Wales say want to quit at some point 

Chief Executive of ASH Wales, Suzanne Cass said: “No other consumer product comes with the devastating harms of tobacco and smoking kills two in three of its long term users.  

“More than five and a half thousand people in Wales die every year from smoking and tobacco costs the Welsh NHS more than £300m a year – none of this will change without bold action.” 

No young person will be criminalised by this measure. This legislation will simply extend the existing legal obligation not to sell tobacco to those who are underage. It will increase the age for sale by one year, every year, from 2027. 

Dr Hilary Williams, vice president for Wales at the Royal College of Physicians said:  

‘We welcome these plans and strongly support legislation to phase out tobacco sales. Smoking is still the main cause of premature death in Wales, killing thousands of people every year, and it’s increasingly important that we face up to the impact of avoidable tobacco-related illness. If you smoke, your risk of becoming seriously ill with many major health conditions is far higher; I am a consultant oncologist and see in my patients the devastating impact of lung cancer.  Most people who smoke wish they had never started in the first place – these changes will protect more young people from avoidable illness and early death.’ 

Welsh Government cannot raise the age on the sale of tobacco without the UK Government passing this legislation. 

Suzanne added: “Public opinion and debate has driven governments to do the right thing before and it can happen again.  

 “It’s not often we see such overwhelming public support for government policy and we urge Welsh MPs to listen to their constituents and use their vote to protect the health of future generations.” 

 

ASH Wales / YouGov poll:  

Regional Breakdown: 

Question: The UK Government has announced legislation to raise the age of sale for tobacco for those born in 2009 or later by one year, every year, so it will never be legal to sell them tobacco. To what extent, if at all, would you support or oppose. 

Mid and west Wales: 

  • 62% support
  • 11% oppose 

North Wales: 

  • 63% support
  • 15% oppose 

Cardiff and south central Wales: 

  • 63% support
  • 15% oppose

South east Wales: 

  • 58% support
  • 17% oppose

South west Wales: 

  • 63% support
  • 18% oppose

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov plc. Total sample size was 1.024 adults. 

Fieldwork was undertaken between 15 – 20th November 2023. 

The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Wales (aged 18+) 

For further information, please contact Louise Elliott, Head of Policy, ASH Wales 

Louise.Elliott@ashwales.org 

07496259220

Plastic Overshoot Day: World exceeds amount of plastic pollution it can manage on 28th July 2023

On 28th July 2023, the amount of plastic waste outweighs the world’s ability to manage it. This day has arrived at a time with many environmental disasters occurring across the globe and fingers are partially pointed to our polluted waste.

The result of this day is due to significant amounts of plastic winding up in our environment every year. 43% of plastic produced and used is mismanaged as waste, meaning 68,642,999 tons of additional plastic waste will end up in nature this year[1]. According to Greenpeace[2], a truckload of plastic enters the ocean every single minute. Bottles, tubs and food trays are some of the more obvious items we may think of, but there are other items we may not think about.

Every year around 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded globally, making them the most littered item on earth[3]. Cigarette butts are made with single-use plastic and can take over a decade to breakdown, they become microplastics ending up in our environment becoming a danger to our oceans and animals. Further to their plastic pollution, cigarettes leach toxins into our waterways, beaches and streets and are a danger to pets and children who may pick them up.

Yet cigarette butts remain unseen in the latest Environmental Protection (Single Use Plastic Products) Act in Wales[4]. ASH Wales firmly support action on single use plastics to reduce risk of environmental crisis and damage to nature, but strongly encourage that cigarettes be included with action to protect our Welsh landscapes.

In the interest of protecting Welsh landscapes, ASH Wales continue to create Smokefree spaces to not only reduce litter and pollution but to de-normalise smoking in the eyes of children and young people. Smokefree Beaches has become an interest of many and the organisation look forward to more local authorities in Wales joining the campaign and creating a cleaner and smokefree coastline. To read more about the campaign, visit the campaign page here.

 

[1] https://plasticovershoot.earth

[2] https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/challenges/plastic-pollution/

[3] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/cigarettes-story-of-plastic

[4] https://www.gov.wales/environmental-protection-single-use-plastic-products-wales-act