The interactive play was performed at secondary schools in Carmarthenshire through a joint project between Hywel Dda University Health Board, Carmarthenshire’s secondary schools, and theatre company Performance in Education (PIE).
Funded by the health board, the project targeted the growing use of vapes among young people, particularly in lower year groups, and supported ongoing work with retailers around underage sales.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, executive director of public health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Vaping among young people is a growing public health concern, and schools have been clear that they need support in addressing it.
“This project has allowed us to engage directly with pupils in a way that is both honest and impactful, helping them understand the real risks associated with nicotine use.
“By working collaboratively with our schools and partners, we are taking important steps to protect the health and wellbeing of young people across Carmarthenshire.”
Following agreement through the Carmarthenshire Prevention Group and support from the Public Health Team and the county’s three clusters, PIE was commissioned to deliver performances across schools in late November 2025.
11 of the county’s 12 comprehensive schools took part.
The performance included interactive discussions and explored the health risks, social pressures, and consequences of vaping.
Welsh-speaking actors were used for Welsh-medium schools to ensure all pupils could fully engage.
Feedback highlighted strong engagement from pupils, with schools reporting that the sessions fit well with their health and wellbeing curriculum and helped open up important conversations.
Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for business and consumer affairs, said: “We have seen a worrying increase in vaping amongst young people, including pupils in lower year groups.
“This project was about being proactive by providing clear, age-appropriate information in a way that genuinely resonates with young people.
“By working in partnership with our schools, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Performance in Education, we’ve been able to deliver a powerful message about the risks of nicotine addiction and the wider impacts of vaping.”
