Thousands of smokers have quit the deadly habit thanks to a government-backed scheme to hand out free vapes, new data shows.
The Swap 2 Stop initiative, launched across the UK in 2023, encourages people to switch from smoking to vaping in a bid to cut smoking rates.
Now new figures released by Public Health Dorset, which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the south of England, reveal it has provided 14,801 free vape kits to adults.
This has led to 3,562 smokers permanently switching to vaping in the Dorset area alone after just four weeks.
Being smoke-free for 28 days boosts quit rate
The health body says the data supports evidence that suggests being smoke free for 28 days increases the chances of quitting for good.
Rachel Partridge, acting director of Public Health Dorset for Dorset Council and BCP Council, said: “We’re pleased our Swap 2 Stop offer has been able to help thousands of people to quit to improve their health and wellbeing throughout Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
“It’s provided the chance to swap to nicotine vaping which is one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking.”
She added: “We know how challenging it can be to break the addiction to smoking tobacco. I urge anyone who is ready to quit smoking, to seek support from our stop smoking services.
“They will guide you, provide tips and advice on aids and tools to make your journey a successful one. It really is never too late to stop smoking and it’s much easier with the right support behind you.”
Reports of health improvement
People who used the scheme have reported experiencing significant improvements to their health since switching to vaping.
One said: “I made the swap from smoking to vaping as inhaling no tar was my aim and first step. I smoked 20 plus a day for over 30 years. Since swapping to vaping, I have gone from wheezing almost constantly to significantly less, without craving a cigarette.”
Another added: “I used Swap to Stop in February this year and have not smoked a cigarette since. It takes a little getting used to but does work 100 per cent, I would not have given up without the vape.”
National figures for the number of adults quitting smoking using the scheme have not yet been released.
The data from Public Health Dorset comes after a recent study found vaping has been the most successful aid to people quitting smoking in the UK over the last five years.
The survey from health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 5.6 million adults in the UK use vapes. Of these, a massive 53 per cent said they had stopped smoking, 39 per cent are still smoking and eight per cent have never smoked.
Among those who had successfully quit smoking, more than HALF (2.7 million people) said they had used a vape to help them kick the habit.
And of those, a third have since also stopped vaping. The average duration for vaping while giving up smoking was one year.
Vaping has long been regarded as an effective tool for quitting smoking and far less harmful to health, but this increasing body of data shows just how many people rely on vapes to help them quit cigarettes.Meanwhile, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which will see major restrictions placed on vaping – is progressing through parliament.
