Physical activity as a preventative

Addressing youth vaping

Physical activity as a positive intervention

Ditch the Vape project, by Epping Forest District Council, uncovered significant insight into the scale and nature of youth vaping across the district, and the behavioural link to declining physical activity levels.

Building on insight from the Epping Youth Conference and Active Essex’s understanding of the power of youth voice, young people led the design of the survey, shaped the final report and shared lived experiences to inform local policy and public health responses.

Active Essex became involved to support the district-wide response to use physical activity as a positive alternative to vaping, ensuring programmes are co-designed with young people. Working alongside Epping Forest District Council (EFDC), Active Essex are helping develop active pathways that offer accessible, enjoyable and health-enhancing alternatives for young people.

3,000

young people across Epping have engaged with vaping and shared experiences in the survey

104

young people from 8 secondary schools attended the Epping Youth Conference

25%

of young people who wish to quit vaping, identified improved fitness as a key motivator

Throughout the report, and attendance at the Epping Forest Youth Council meeting, young people expressed their barriers, interests and preferred types of activity, which offered a rich insight for Active Essex and partners to implement.

Further insight was collected throughout the report around the local Epping landscape, community engagement and physical activity opportunities. Children expressed aspirations for parks and playgrounds to be more accessible with free activities and more inclusive, appealing outdoor environments.

It was valuable to have Active Essex’s input in the young person’s discussion group, whereby it enabled service providers to consult with young people. Emma spoke about sharing information about what is being done in the Epping Forest district and how young people can be more involved in what is being provided in their local area/school.

Diane Gilson-Butler, Young Person’s Officer at EFDC

Key learnings

It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future

Expertise

Bringing together physical activity, public health and community safety priorities.

Momentum

Multi-agency projects can be challenging and requires careful coordination.

Messaging

Striking the right balance between promotion of physical activity and vaping-prevention.

The insights gained from the focus groups have been invaluable to both us and local partners. There is a strong opportunity for us to work with EFDC and the Youth Council to co-design solutions that are inclusive, improve park infrastructure and create community-led green space initiatives.

Emma Alderman, Active Essex Relationship Development Officer

Due to the collaborative nature of this project, partners are now exploring joint funding opportunities for targeted activity programmes that hope to end vaping in the district. This has opened the door to expand physical activity provision for those most disengaged and expressing a desire to quit vaping.

Next steps will see activity pilots develop in schools, parks and community settings to build positive alternatives, based off the insight from the young people survey. Additionally, the partners have a long-term ambition to ensure every young people in the district, particularly those who vape, have access to fun, supportive and non-judgemental physical activity opportunities.