Support for Children and Young People
Time to take control
Smoking and vaping are easy to start and harder to stop than most people expect.
If you’ve noticed you’re reaching for cigarettes or your vape more often, feeling like you need them, or just want to cut back, we can help.
Smokefree Hampshire offers free, personalised and confidential support to help you quit.
No lectures, no pressure. Just practical advice and support that works.
To get started, just text QUIT to 80011 or click below.
What our support looks like
We offer support in a way that works best for you. You can meet with us in person at one of our clinics, or choose remote appointments (video or phone).
Your first appointment
Your first session is all about understanding what support you need. Together, we’ll create a personalised support plan. This might include:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) , which is approved for young people aged 12 and over by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), options like lozenges or patches may help reduce cravings and make stopping easier.
Behavioural support – talking through routines, triggers, and practical strategies that help you stay in control.
We’ll explain everything clearly so you know exactly how the programme works and what to expect.
Your Support Programme
Our programme lasts 12 weeks and is designed to support you all the way through your quit journey:
Weeks 1–6: Weekly sessions
Weeks 7–12: Sessions every two weeks.
What Vaping and Smoking Really Does
To your brain
Nicotine changes how your brain works and trains it to crave more.
It can interfere with your focus, memory and mood - and your brain is still developing until your mid-20's
The more you vape or smoke, the harder it can be to feel 'normal' without it.
To your body
Even without tobacco, vape vapour irritates your lungs and airways.
Young people who smoke are much more likely to have breathing problems. They can be two to six times more likely to get coughs, extra phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath than people their age who don’t smoke.
Nicotine also raises your heart rate and blood pressure. That constant 'buzz' isn't harmless.
Why Quitting is Worth It
Here's what you can look forward to when you quit.
You breathe easier
Your lungs start to recover within weeks.
You save money
The costs of vapes, refills or cigarettes can add up fast. Quitting keeps cash in your pocket.
Think clearer
No more nicotine crashes or mood swings.
You sleep better
Nicotine messes with your sleep cycle. Stopping helps your body reset.
You're free
You decide what you do, not your vape or a cigarette.
"It wasn't until I stopped that I realised how much vaping was controlling my day."
- Young person, age 16, Hampshire
Talking to a parent or carer who smokes or vapes.
If someone in your family smokes or vapes, it's normal for you to feel worried about their health, especially if you've learned about the risks at school or online. You might want to help them but aren't sure what to say or how to start.
Here are some gentle ways you can show support:
Choose a calm moment. Try talking when you're together, maybe on a walk, in the car or while watching TV.
Be kind and honest. You could say something like "I get worried about your health because I care about you", or "I know it's really hard to stop but I believe you can".
Don't lecture or blame. Quitting smoking or vaping can be tough. What helps most is kindness and encouragement.
Offer to help. You might help them find Smokefree Hampshire's contact details, or look at the website together.
If your parent or carer decides they'd like to stop, they can get free help and free medication to make it easier.
Encourage them to contact Smokefree Hampshire for advice and support. It's completely free and confidential.
The quickest and easiest way to get started is to text QUIT to 80011 or to complete our short online form.
