Are you eligible for a free vaping starter kit?
What do you have a one in five chance of being?
For example, you have a one in five chance of having hazel eyes. If you’re over the age of 65, there’s a one in five chance you don’t know how to swim.
There’s also a one in five chance that you’ll think that Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster will be discovered by science. Right, hands up if you believe that one…
There’s also a one in five chance you might be eligible for a free vaping kit in the near future. Earlier this month, the UK Government announced that it was providing funding so one million smokers could stub out their cigarettes for good and give vaping a go.
The scheme, called ‘swap to stop’, has been described as the first of its kind in the world. So if it works, there’s the possibility that other countries could follow suit. The swap to stop scheme is estimated to cost £45 million over the course of two years.
Let’s be honest; we all love a freebie. With this in mind, you’re probably wondering if you’re eligible for some free vaping goodies and if so, when you can get your hands on them. Keep reading because this article will explain everything you need to know!
- Why is The Government giving out vaping starter kits?
- But why vaping? Why not just encourage people to quit smoking?
- Will I get a vaping starter kit?
- What will be in the vaping starter kit?
- Is anyone guaranteed a vaping starter kit?
- When will I be able to see if I’m eligible?
- Has anything else been announced as part of the scheme?
- But I can’t wait! I want a vaping starter kit now!
- In summary: will you be getting a free vaping kit?
Why is The Government giving out vaping starter kits?
Excellent question. The UK Government is giving out vaping starter kits because it wants the country to become smoke-free by 2030.
(Okay, 5% of the population isn’t technically ‘smoke-free’, but it’s better than nothing, right?)
At this moment in time, The Government will miss this target unless it takes drastic measures.
The primary focus of the smoke-free initiative is young people and people living in deprived areas. To combat young people taking up smoking, The Government has raised the legal smoking age from 16 to 18, and there are talks of increasing it even further.
People in deprived areas are four times more likely to smoke than those in more affluent areas. This might sound counterproductive as smoking costs money, but people in low-income households are more likely to smoke as a coping mechanism and to relieve stress.
Plus, it’s a vicious cycle. People smoke because they have financial pressures, further exacerbated by spending money on cigarettes.
But why vaping? Why not just encourage people to quit smoking?
The UK Government wants people to quit smoking for good.
Getting people to stop smoking cold turkey may sound impressive, but if they’re back on the cigarettes two weeks later, it’s all been a waste of time and money.
Vaping is the most effective smoking cessation tool on the market, even more so than gum or patches. Studies have shown that people who vape are more likely to eventually quit smoking.
The great thing about vaping is that you can gradually cut down on nicotine without inhaling any disgusting chemical substances in cigarettes like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and tar. Plus, as vaping gives you something to do with your hands and mouth, it feels like a proper alternative to smoking.
Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why you should give vaping a go!
Will I get a vaping starter kit?
Honest answer… we’re not sure yet!
The Government will encourage councils across the UK to apply for funding. The councils will then determine which residents are eligible for a vaping starter kit.
We strongly believe that local authorities will prioritise low-income households and people living in deprived areas. This has been done before with great success. For example, in 2022, Norfolk County Council gave vaping vouchers to residents in certain areas, with 15% of people quitting smoking for good.
However, some local councils may use different criteria, for example, targeting young smokers or people with chronic health conditions. Others might even have a ‘first come, first served’ approach.
What will be in the vaping starter kit?
Again, the UK Government hasn’t gone into the nitty gritty. It’s highly probable that local councils will decide what to include in the kits.
It’s likely that the kit will contain a piece of hardware that’s easy to use and maintain, like a vape pod or vape pen, as well as a couple of e-liquids. Essentially everything that a smoker needs to get started with vaping straight away.
Some councils may even give customers vouchers for a local vaping store, meaning they can buy what they want – this is what they did in Norwich. Customers get the freedom of choice, and the nearby vape shops get a nice bit of well-deserved promotion – everyone’s a winner!
One thing that is highly likely not to be included in a vaping starter kit? A disposable vape. These single-use vapes have got a lot of flak recently for not just being bad for the environment, but encouraging kids to try vaping.
So if you’re hoping for a neon pink Gnome Bar or two in your starter kit, you’re probably not going to get one. And in our honest opinion, that’s a good thing.
Is anyone guaranteed a vaping starter kit?
Not a starter kit as such, but as part of the Government initiative, pregnant women will be offered up to £400 to stop smoking.
Details on this aren’t entirely clear just yet, but it looks like all pregnant women who smoke, regardless of where they live, will be offered vouchers as well as support to quit.
It’s estimated that about 9% of pregnant women smoke by the time of delivery, although this figure has gradually decreased over the years. Given that smoking during pregnancy has negative consequences for both mothers and babies, this is a definite step in the right direction.
When will I be able to see if I'm eligible?
The Government hasn’t given a specific roll-out date for the scheme yet, although we’re sure things will get started as soon as possible. We advise following your local council on social media for all the latest updates.
Alternatively, check out our blog for all the latest vaping and smoking developments both in the UK and worldwide. We’re just like BBC News, but without the fancy accents and the slight off-chance that Mr Blobby might randomly appear.
Has anything else been announced as part of the scheme?
Funny that you should ask…
As well as the financial incentive for pregnant women, other measures have been introduced to encourage people to quit smoking:
- Adding inserts to cigarette packs with positive messages and information to stop people quit smoking
- A crackdown on illicit vape sales to discourage children and young people from vaping
- A plan to prevent illegal tobacco from entering the UK
£35 million has also been committed to the NHS to help smokers suffering from smoking-related illnesses and disease.
But I can't wait! I want a vaping starter kit now!
That’s the spirit!
If you want to give up the cigarettes for good and give vaping a go, you don’t have to wait for Rishi Claus to come down your chimney holding a vaping starter kit. You can be the master (or mistress) of your own destiny and start vaping today.
If cost is the issue, it’s important to remember that while there is an initial outlay for your vaping paraphernalia, you’ll save money compared to smoking.
Let’s say you smoke 20 a day – you’ll likely be spending £3,696 a year. However, by making the move to vaping, you can save between £2,796 and £3,176 a year. You can check the exact cost for yourself with our fancy calculator.
When you’re new to the world of vaping, you might not be sure what kit is right for you. Sure, you could buy a kit online from a faceless corporation, or alternatively, you could pop into your local friendly vape store.
The staff in a vape store will be able to recommend the right equipment for your specific needs, as well as some e-liquids that they think you’ll like. They’ll also be able to explain the basics, for example, how to fill your vape tank or change a coil. Heck, if you want to make fancy clouds when you vape, they can show you the ropes!
There are lots of fabulous Ohm Brew stockists around the UK who will be more than happy to help you make the switch. All of them vetted and approved by us, so you know they’re good.
In summary: will you be getting a free vaping kit?
As the UK Government’s announcement only came out recently, the details are still up in the air at the moment.
All we know is that the funding for the scheme will be given to local councils, who will identify who is eligible and what they will receive.
If you’re eligible for a vaping starter kit though, definitely take up the offer. Vaping is not just more cost-effective than smoking, but it’s much better for you. Plus, there’s a high probability that it will help you quit nicotine for good.
And of course, even if you’re not eligible for a free kit, it’s still worth making the switch to vaping, for both your health and wallet’s sake.
