The UK government has confirmed a ban on the sale of disposable vapes in England and Wales, set to take effect in June 2025. This decision, aims to safeguard children’s health and mitigate environmental damage associated with these products. The Department for Environment, reported a staggering increase in vape usage with 9% of the British population now using vapes, including a notable rise among young adults who have never smoked.

Public health minister Andrew Gwynne emphasized that the ban would help reduce the appeal of vaping to children, particularly given that disposable vapes are often brightly packaged and easily accessible. The ban aligns with similar actions in Wales and a delay in Scotland’s planned ban to match the June date. Concerns have been raised by industry leaders about a potential rise in illegal sales of vapes due to the ban. Additionally, the environmental impact of single-use vapes cannot be overlooked.

Defra estimates that nearly five million disposable vapes were discarded each week in 2022, contributing significantly to landfill waste and environmental hazards from leaking batteries. Experts have pointed to disposables as a driving factor behind an epidemic of nicotine addiction among youth, making the upcoming ban a crucial step for public health and environmental protection.

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Minister for Health Jo Etienne Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli have introduced a range of mental health initiatives, aiming to improve awareness, accessibility, and community support.

With a significant €4.5 million investment, these initiatives target around 90,000 individuals in Malta and Gozo, focusing on reducing mental health stigma and enhancing care availability. Key initiatives include group-based Mental Health First Aid courses, one-on-one sessions with trained professionals in collaboration with local councils, and a Call Out service to proactively check in with individuals who may need support.

Minister Abela highlighted the importance of making mental health support accessible, noting that the existing national mental health helpline (1579) has already handled around 17,000 calls. These new initiatives, he stated, bring the service even closer to the community.

Zerafa Civelli emphasized that free psychological support will now be available to citizens via local councils, as well as online or over the phone. She described the initiative as an effort to enhance the quality of life for all Maltese and Gozitan residents.

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