A national health charity is encouraging youth workers in Renfrewshire to access new guidance aimed at tackling the growing issue of young people vaping illicit substances.
ASH Scotland has launched a new briefing, Understanding illicit substance vaping, to help youth workers build their knowledge and feel more confident in starting conversations with young people about the risks involved.
The resource includes insight gathered through the charity’s Youth Conversations Hub, where young people across Scotland shared their experiences and concerns. It comes at a time when the rise in youth vaping — and the availability of illicit substances in e-cigarettes — is becoming a major public health concern.
The briefing sets out clear, up-to-date information on how young people are accessing vapes and the risks and side effects linked to substances such as Spice, a man-made drug designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, and THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “With concerned youth workers across Scotland regularly contacting us for advice about vaping cannabis, THC and Spice, it is vital that those working with young people in Renfrewshire can access robust, evidence-based information to engage and empower youngsters to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
“Our new ‘Understanding illicit substance vaping’ briefing can enable youth workers to promote a vape-free culture and encourage the younger generation in Renfrewshire to understand the risks associated with vaping illicit substances and make positive choices to protect their physical and mental health.”
Youth workers and volunteers can download the new resource at www.ashscotland.org.uk/illicit-substance-vaping
. Anyone supporting youth groups can also join ASH Scotland’s Youth Conversations Hub at www.ashscotland.org.uk/hub.