This school-based nicotine reduction intervention helped Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire ignite a culture shift in secondary schools.
Thinking About Life reduced smoking and vaping behaviours by putting young people at the heart of change, activating peer influence as a positive force, and equipping schools with practical, sustainable tools to support healthier, happier futures across the county.
The challenge
Young people were navigating increasing exposure to smoking and vaping alongside wider risk-taking pressures.
Schools cared deeply but needed structured, behaviourally informed support that worked in real timetables and real classrooms.
The goal was not simply awareness.
It was to interrupt harmful norms, protect wellbeing and create school environments where healthier choices feel possible, visible and supported.
Our approach
We built momentum from the inside out.
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Used local intelligence to focus effort where need was greatest
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Co-created content with pupils so messages reflected lived experience
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Embedded ready-to-use PSHE resources that reduced teacher workload
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Established peer mentoring to make healthy influence visible and powerful
When young people lead conversations, norms begin to shift. Prevention stops being a lesson and becomes part of school culture.
The outcome
Fourteen schools actively delivered the programme with peer-led models embedded into everyday school life.
In one quarter alone, 16 schools were onboarded and 22 engagement meetings delivered county-wide.
Evaluation data evidenced reductions in smoking and vaping behaviours.
Schools reported strong engagement, usability and impact. Even during COVID-19 disruption, delivery adapted rapidly, sustaining connection and momentum.
Want to know more? Get in touch!
If you want to spark a peer-led shift towards healthier school communities, get in touch to explore how this schools-based nicotine reduction intervention could support young people in your area.
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grammar schools adopting programme resources and train-the-trainer models
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schools onboarded for full programme delivery, including a peer mentoring day
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curriculum planning support sessions to embed the service into school timetabling
“We want to help young people become more aware of the harms and risks of nicotine products, so they can make an informed decision.”
Assistant Principal
