Community Partners Organise Free Information Event to Highlight Impact of Vaping on Young People

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s District Electoral Area Co-Ordinators, in partnership with the Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Downpatrick Neighbourhood Policing Team and Lisburn YMCA have organised an information evening for parents/guardians who are concerned about the impact of children smoking vapes. The event which is free of charge will take place on Thursday 6 June 2024 at 7pm in the St Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick.

Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council’s PCSP, said “This is an excellent opportunity for parents to come along and get some vital information on vaping and the tell-tale signs to look out for. As cases of vaping continue to rise this is a major concern for parents and is causing them stress as they worry about their children’s health and wellbeing. The Council will also be offering some free passes at the event for young people to access our Leisure Facilities to promote health and wellbeing.” 

Parents/guardians will have the opportunity at the event to learn some of the issues around young people vaping including what effect vaping has on the body, the effects of nicotine on the brain and other associated side effects. Although research is still ongoing into the long-term effects of vaping a recent study found that users had increased heart rate and blood pressure, leading to increased circulatory problems.

Attendees will also come to understand what happens to body when vaping both nicotine and THC (Spice). In addition, they will receive information about on how to access prevention and education services for their child if they have any concerns. A number of local statutory agencies will also be present at the event to offer advice on how to report concerns regarding the sale of vapes to underage children and the illegal sales of THC (Spice).

For further information on the evening contact staff at Newry, Mourne & Down District Council - Katrina Hynds, Downpatrick DEA Co-Ordinator katrina.hynds@nmandd.org or Jacqueline Urey, PCSP Project Officer jacqueline.urey@nmandd.org.

Photo Caption 
Representatives from local statutory agencies and the Lisburn YMCA launch a free information session for parents/guardians on the impact of young people smoking vapes, the event takes place on Thursday 6 June 2024 at 7pm in the St Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick. Included in the photo are (L-R) Sergeant Suzanne Cochrane, Downpatrick Neighbourhood Policing Team; Jacqueline Urey, Policing & Community Safety Partnership; Pauline McMullan, Lisburn YMCA; Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, Chairperson of PCSP, Katrina Hynds and Taucher McDonald, DEA Co-Ordinators.