A new report by Trafford Council has revealed a rise in young people seeking support for nicotine use, as officials warn that vaping is becoming one of the fastest growing substance issues affecting children and teenagers in the borough.

The report, presented to the council’s Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee, outlines trends in drug, alcohol and tobacco use among young people and highlights concerns about the growing impact of vaping.

It highlighted how referrals to the area’s commissioned young people’s substance misuse service have more than doubled over three years.

Research conducted with Healthwatch Trafford found that, while 81% of children and young people say they have never tried vaping, 5% reported vaping regularly.

More than half of young vapers said they had their first vape before 9am, while 32% said they vape in bed when they wake up.

The survey also found that 55% of young people reported vaping or seeing vaping in school toilets, with 25% seeing it in classrooms and 14% in corridors.

Despite concerns around flavoured vapes attracting younger users, 71% of young people who vape said they would continue even if sweet or candy flavours were banned.

Andrew Latham, Chief Officer at Healthwatch Trafford, said:

“We know that vaping among children and young people is a concern for many members of the public and we hope that our findings will support ongoing efforts at raising awareness within Trafford.

“We also hope that wider attention is paid to the lack of information available about unregulated vapes; this information is crucial in improving the education of children, young people, parents and carers, and professionals alike.”

Grace Riley, a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, expressed her concerns about the increased vaping habits in young people in the city

“It’s shocking how many teenagers I see with a vape in their hand walking down the road.

“It feels like a real epidemic, and more children are getting easier access to them as corner shops don’t ID people as much.”

The report also notes emerging nicotine products among teenagers. Around 2% of Trafford’s young people said they had tried nicotine pouches, with a similar proportion reporting regular use.

While vaping has become a key concern, cannabis and alcohol remain the most common substances among young people accessing treatment services.

Cannabis referrals have fallen slightly in recent years, but alcohol related referrals continue to present challenges.

Trafford currently records higher hospital admissions for alcohol related conditions among under 18s than the national average, highlighting the continued impact of drinking among young people.

Local drug and alcohol services have expanded in response to demand, with the specialist workforce increasing to four youth substance misuse workers.

The service reports strong outcomes, with successful treatment completion rates higher than the national average.

Referrals to this service linked to nicotine and vaping have risen significantly in recent years, and the report notes that most young people accessing this support are aged between 12 and 17.

Encouragingly, many of those receiving help are reducing their nicotine intake. Data shows around 72% of young people receiving support reduced their nicotine use, while about a quarter stopped completely.

The council is also increasing prevention work in schools, including vaping awareness sessions for Year 6 pupils, targeted education programmes and school nurse support.

Officials say the borough is now preparing to recommission its drug and alcohol services in 2026, with plans to strengthen prevention work, improve support for families and respond to emerging issues such as vaping.

Helen Gollins, Director of Public Health at Trafford Council, said: “Trafford has a strong track record of working closely with our schools, families and partners to support the wellbeing of our children and young people.

“Nationally and locally, we have seen an increase in young people vaping, and we are continuing to work with partners to protect young people from harm, support them to stop, and reduce access to vapes for under-18s.

“We are committed to ensuring the best start in life for our young people; this includes protecting their health and keeping them safe from harm.”

Part of this strengthening work will come in the form of an £8.5 million contract, which also extends to Salford and Bury, to aid in the drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery services in the awarded areas. The contract will start on April 1 this year.

If you or a child you know requires help stopping vaping, Early Break provides free, confidential support services for emotional health, substance use, and family wellbeing.