St. Malachy's College Belfast
Bangor Grammar School
Leading local health charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS), has recently launched its new vaping education resource, You and Me Northern Ireland Vape-Free, which has been developed in conjunction with Stanford University’s REACH Lab. In autumn 2023, the charity shone a spotlight on the growing issue of youth vaping in Northern Ireland, with its campaign going viral and achieving global recognition after it shared the story of a 12-year-old girl who was admitted to Intensive Care and placed in an induced coma after vaping.
Despite the significant impact of this campaign NICHS has continued to focus on the issue which shows no signs of abating as Fidelma Carter, Head of Public Health at the charity, explains; “The 2025 Youth Vaping Survey conducted by the Public Health Agency revealed that 15% of the young people surveyed currently vape, with Year 14’s being the largest age group reporting current use at 46%. Around 40% of respondents who reported using vapes had experienced side effects such as headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, coughing, reduced fitness, anxiety, nausea, increased heart rate, and tiredness.¹”
“NICHS has worked tirelessly to bring messages about the dangers of vaping to young people. Our Schools Team deliver Well Talks as part of our prevention work and in 2024/25 80% of our Well Talks focused on vaping, reaching over 19,000 students, teachers, parents, and youth workers. This highlights the urgent need for a dedicated educational resource on vaping.”
A teacher survey conducted by NICHS revealed a strong demand for a vaping teaching resource. In response, NICHS began exploring options to fill this educational gap and connected with Stanford University’s REACH Lab led by world-renowned vaping expert Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Professor of Paediatrics/Adolescent Medicine. The lab’s curriculum, You and Me, Together Vape-Free, is theory-based and evidence-informed, and designed to address youth vaping through education and prevention.
Fidelma continues; “Since September 2024, we have been working closely with Stanford’s REACH Lab to adapt the US You and Me, Together Vape-Free curriculum for Northern Ireland. This collaboration has involved talking to pupils, teachers, and parents from Bangor Grammar School, Kilkeel High School, St. Malachy’s College Belfast, and Youth Action N.I. These focus groups have helped shape the resource to ensure it is relevant and impactful for local young people.”
“The adaptation process has also been guided by a steering group we set up with members including paediatric doctors and a respiratory nurse from the Royal Victoria Hospital, Ulster Hospital, and Queen’s University Belfast, alongside school principals, teachers, a representative from the Education Authority, and a member of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA).”
Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from Stanford University’s REACH Lab comments; “The You and Me Northern Ireland Vape-Free curriculum provides schools with lessons and resources to increase knowledge, change attitudes, increase refusal skills, and support mental health which are all factors linked to youth vaping. It validates teens’ choices not to vape and motivates those experimenting to reduce or quit.”
“We are thrilled to bring this resource to Northern Ireland and hope it will empower young people, teachers, and parents to tackle this growing issue.”
Kevin Niblock from St. Malachy’s College Belfast says; “We are profoundly grateful to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and the team at Stanford for producing this critically important resource. The input from our focus groups highlighted the genuine need for clear, evidence-based education on the risks of vaping. This isn't just a temporary intervention; this resource will equip every student at our College for years to come with the knowledge they need to make informed, healthy choices.”
Lynsey McDermott from Bangor Grammar School adds; “Our school is proud to have been selected to take part in this pioneering programme. Recent data highlights a worrying increase in the number of young people using vapes, many unaware of the potential risks to their physical health, mental wellbeing, and long-term habits. As a school committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of every student, we believe it is vital to address this issue head-on. By being part of this resource, we are not only protecting our students but also equipping them with the knowledge and resilience to make healthier choices for life.”
Fidelma concludes; “NICHS has been instrumental in highlighting the dangers of youth vaping as well as advocating for stronger legislation around vaping products. We welcomed the Assembly’s endorsement of the Tobacco and Vaping Bill, which includes raising the age of sale, restricting flavours and marketing, and requiring vape retailers to register with local councils.”
“Our position on vaping remains clear—avoid it unless as a short-term aid to quit smoking. We would urge people, if you don’t smoke, don’t vape. We believe You and Me Northern Ireland Vape-Free will be a powerful tool in helping young people across Northern Ireland make informed, healthy choices.”
For more information and to register for You and Me Northern Ireland Vape-Free please visit nichs.org.uk/yamnivf
