The annual VApril campaign has been extended until the end of lockdown.
Billed as ‘the world’s largest vaping consumer education campaign,’ VApril provides specialist advice and information for the 7.2 million people in the UK who continue to smoke despite the widely-known risks posed by tobacco.
The campaign traditionally sees member shops hosting education sessions for smokers.
This year, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), its members and partners are instead offering guidance and support via social media and a dedicated digital hub as smokers hunker down at home.
UKVIA director John Dunne told Vapouround:
“Obviously with the stores closed, the emphasis on education is more and more important so it makes sense to push ‘VApril plus’ beyond the end of the month.
“What’s encouraging is the amount of non-members that are taking it up and going with it so now it’s stretching into different countries.”
Dunne is encouraging businesses and advocates to email ukvia@jbp.co.uk for access to the VApril Dropbox, where they can download campaign materials, such as videos and graphics.
He said:
“That way, everyone’s using the official logos and texts and stuff like that rather than trying to make their own stuff.
“That makes it so much easier for other people to do it.”
The UKVIA has also published a guide to coronavirus for those working in the vape industry.
The coronavirus guidance document advises stores how to operate once the lockdown is lifted, with tips on cleaning and advice on how to protect staff and customers and prevent the disease from spreading.
A survey commissioned last year by UKVIA revealed that one in five smokers had heard of the VApril campaign. Of those who were aware of it, 72 percent said that the campaign had influenced their decision to switch.
