Training Trusted Adults - Vaping

Workshop for staff working with ages 11–15, covering vaping risks, trends, signs, laws, neurodiversity, environment, MECC and support tools.

Workshop Overview: Supporting Young People Around Vaping and Smoking

This interactive training session is designed for those who work directly with young people aged 11–15, including youth workers, school staff and community providers to help you feel more confident, informed and equipped to offer meaningful support to young people who vape and smoke.

Our workshop provides a comprehensive overview of vaping and smoking statistics and emerging trends in Portsmouth, whilst also covering practical strategies to help you engage young people in conversations about vaping and smoking. Through evidence based content and local examples, participants will build the knowledge and confidence needed to identify concerns early and respond effectively.

What the session covers

Participants will explore a wide range of topics, including:

• Local context – understanding what vaping looks like in our area and how it affects young people.
• Current vaping trends – what’s popular, what’s changing, and what young people are exposed to.
• Health risks of vaping – clear, age‑appropriate information to support informed conversations.
• Recognising signs of vaping – subtle indicators that a young person may be vaping.
• The nicotine cycle – how addiction develops and why young people may struggle to stop.
• Vape laws and reporting – guidance on legislation, illicit products, and how to report concerns.
• Neurodiversity and vaping – understanding why some neurodivergent young people may be more vulnerable.
• Environmental impacts – the wider consequences of disposable vapes and waste.
• MECC (Making Every Contact Count) – using brief, meaningful interactions to support behaviour change.
• Open discovery questions (3 A’s approach) – practical tools for starting supportive, non‑judgemental conversations.
• Useful websites and resources – trusted links to support ongoing learning and signposting.