A group of young people from across Torbay have helped lead an important new research project exploring young people’s experiences, views and understanding of vaping.
The Torbay Young People’s Vaping Research Project, commissioned by Torbay Public Health and delivered by us here at Engaging Communities South West, used a youth-led approach to understand what young people know about vaping, why some choose to try it or continue using it, and what support, information and prevention work may be needed locally.
At the heart of the project was a Young People’s Panel, made up of 12 young people aged 11–17 from Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. The panel helped co-design the project, shape the survey, support engagement, gather views from peers and present the findings to local public health, education, community and enforcement partners. Click here to read the full report.
Their work was supported by a wider survey of 445 young people aged 11–18, alongside input from parents, carers, teachers, professionals, primary-aged children and young people engaged through local partner organisations including Sound Communities.
A short film produced as part of the project captures the Young People’s Panel’s involvement, including their discussions, survey work, community engagement and reflections on what needs to happen next. Watch the film below:
The findings show that vaping is highly visible in the everyday lives of some young people in Torbay, particularly in schools, public spaces and journeys to and from school. The report also highlights that some young people are using vapes to manage stress or anxiety, while others said they wanted to stop but were unsure where to get help.
While the report identifies clear concerns, including underage access to vapes through shops, peers, family and online routes, the project also highlights a strong opportunity for positive action. Many young people who do not vape were able to clearly explain why they had chosen not to, citing health, personal choice and independence as key reasons.
The report recommends a coordinated local response, including earlier prevention and education, clearer information for young people and families, stronger vape-free environments, youth-focused support to stop vaping, and continued enforcement to reduce underage access.
The Young People’s Panel recently presented their work and key messages to local partners. Their presentation was warmly received and praised for its honesty, confidence and practical insight.
Ivy Hodgson-Hunt, aged 16 from Torquay, Young People’s Project Coordinator, said:
“Being part of this project has shown why young people need to be involved in work like this from the start. We helped shape the survey, looked at what young people in Torbay were saying, and shared the findings ourselves.
“What stood out to me is that vaping is not always as simple as people think. For some young people it is linked to stress, habit or what is happening around them every day. That means the response needs to be honest, supportive and not judgemental.
“I’m really proud of what the Young People’s Panel has done, and I hope this report helps schools, services and local organisations take action that actually works for young people.”
Dr Kevin Dixon, Chair of Engaging Communities South West, said:
“This project is a brilliant example of what happens when young people are not just consulted, but genuinely involved in shaping the work from the very beginning.
“The Young People’s Panel brought honesty, energy and insight to a complex issue, helping adults and decision-makers better understand what vaping looks and feels like in young people’s everyday lives.
“We are incredibly proud of the panel and grateful to Torbay Public Health, schools, community partners and everyone who supported this work. The findings give Torbay a strong platform to respond in a way that is practical, evidence-based and shaped by young people themselves.”
Cllr Hayley Tranter, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said:
“I would like to thank every young person who took part in this important project, especially the Young People’s Panel who helped design the research and present the findings so powerfully.
“The report gives us valuable local insight into youth vaping in Torbay. Some of the findings are challenging, particularly around how visible vaping has become and how easily some young people say they can access vapes. However, this is exactly why listening to young people is so important.
“We will use these findings to work with partners across education, public health, community organisations, enforcement and youth services to develop a coordinated response. Our focus is on prevention, support and making sure young people and families have clear, trusted information.”
Alex Fry, Operations Manager at Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said:
“This report provides valuable insight into how young people in Torbay are accessing vapes and what they are seeing in their communities.
“It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone under 18, and the findings underline why ongoing enforcement, retailer education and intelligence from the community remain so important.
“We will continue working with local partners to tackle underage sales, respond to concerns and support responsible retailing. Reports from young people, parents, schools and the wider community can all help us take targeted action where it is needed most.”
The project found that young people want clearer, more relatable information about vaping, including what it contains, how nicotine can affect them, and where to get support if they want to stop. It also found that parents, carers and professionals would welcome more guidance to help them have confident, non-judgemental conversations with young people.
Torbay Public Health has confirmed that the findings will be shared with partner organisations including education, police, trading standards, youth services, and community and voluntary sector organisations. Partners will now work together to develop an action plan to turn the findings into coordinated local action.
Claire Tatton, Public Health Specialist at Torbay Council, said:
“This project has been different because young people have shaped it from start to finish. Their insight has helped us understand not just the numbers, but the social situations, pressures and everyday environments that influence vaping.
“We now have a much clearer local picture, and we are committed to continuing to work with young people as we develop practical next steps.”
The full report and film is available via the young people’s vaping project page by clicking here.
