The vape shop voucher scheme, has been running since December 2019, and is a pilot project aimed at facilitating smoking cessation. The innovative scheme by Smokefree Norfolk, provides people in the Great Yarmouth area, a region known for higher than average smoking rates than the rest of Norfolk, with a vape voucher.
The UEA researchers are looking into the scheme, asking participants to give feedback about their experience and success rate. “Research shows that vaping is an effective method of quitting smoking when compared with nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum, and e-cigarettes are now the most frequently chosen method of stop smoking support,” said Dr. Caitlin Notley, a Senior Lecturer at UEA’s Medical School leading the research and member of the Norfolk Tobacco Control Alliance.
E-cigs known to be most effective smoking cessation tools
In fact, in line with several other studies, previous research conducted by Dr. Notley has suggested that vaping products are excellent smoking cessation tools. “There is a lot of interest in methods to help people in coastal communities like Great Yarmouth to quit smoking,” said Notley.
“It is important to have an independent evaluation of pilot projects such as this one, so that we can robustly conclude whether the outcomes are positive, and if not, we can make recommendations for future practice and service provision.”
Jay Marsh who is a Shop Manager at the Ministry of Vape, an outlet which is taking part in the scheme, pointed out that as an ex smoker himself he is passionate about helping people quit. “My biggest aim is to help people stop smoking. As an ex-smoker I know what a big leap it is to make, and can speak from personal experience about how vaping helped me to stay quit. So I’m really pleased to be working with SmokeFree Norfolk on this great scheme to help other smokers make that break.”
Read Further: Medical Xpress
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