PEOPLE in Wales who want to stop vaping can now get free, evidence-based help to manage their cravings, cut down and plan their quit through a new app module launched by Public Health Wales.

It comes as new laws, which came into force on October 29, extend the ban on sales to under-18s to include nicotine-free vapes and nicotine products such as pouches. They also prohibit promotional giveaways and substantial promotional discounts on these products.

The vaping module in the NHS Wales Help Me Quit app allows users to set goals, track their progress and tackle the habits that can make quitting vaping difficult.

More people are seeking help to reduce or stop vaping, including former smokers who used vapes to quit tobacco and now want to become nicotine-free.

The new module offers personalised quit planning, support to reduce nicotine strength and vaping frequency, and practical tools to manage cravings. It also helps people understand their nicotine dependence and find further support where needed.

Mary-Ann McKibben, Consultant in Public Health for Public Health Wales, said:

“Vaping has helped many people in Wales stop smoking and remain smoke-free. For those individuals, our priority is to reduce the risk of relapse back to smoking.

"The new vaping module provides a practical, evidence-based and proportionate response. It helps people understand their nicotine use, make informed decisions and reduce or stop vaping at a pace that is right for them.”

Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans said:

“The new laws coming into force are an important step in protecting children and young people’s health and wellbeing. By stopping under 18-year-olds from accessing vaping and nicotine products and clamping down on the free giveaways and discounts designed to tempt them, we're giving our children and young people a better chance to grow up healthier and free from nicotine addiction.”

The app module, which is mainly targeted at adults, is being launched alongside other bilingual resources to help people take the next step towards becoming vape-free. These include Your Quit Plan, an online tool to help people set goals and plan how to stop, Passport to Vape Free, which offers advice on managing cravings and quitting gradually or in one step, and a Vape Taper Tracker to help people monitor their vaping, identify triggers and track their progress.

It also includes new guidance for teachers, youth workers, school nursing teams and healthcare professionals who support young people who vape.

Vape Wise and the Nicotine Dependence Guide provide practical advice on talking about vaping. Both have been developed primarily for professionals working with young people aged 12–17.

Public Health Wales’ message remains that children and young people should not smoke or vape, and that people who do not smoke should not start vaping. However, young people who have already developed nicotine dependence should be able to seek help without judgement.

People can also access information and support by visiting helpmequit.wales, calling Help Me Quit on 0800 085 2219, or texting HMQ to 80818.