The UK government is currently releasing a new scheme like never before seen. 'Swap to Stop' plans to encourage smokers to switch to vaping, offering eligible applicants free vapes.¹

Named Swap to Stop, the initiative is the first of its kind in the world. It's just one in a series of measures being implemented to support the aims for a smoke-free England by 2030 - which means reducing smoking rates to no more than 5%.¹

But what exactly does Swap to Stop involve? Under the scheme, who will be eligible for free vapes? We explore Swap to Stop and for those of you who are interested, we'll explain how to get free in the UK. 

What Is the Swap to Stop Scheme?

Swap to Shop is a government scheme that will provide one million UK smokers with free vape starter kits.

As Health Minister Neil O'Brien says:

We will offer a million smokers new help to quit. We will be funding a new national swap to stop scheme - the first of its kind in the world. We will work with councils and others to offer a million smokers across England a free vaping starter kit.¹ 

As part of the plans, smokers will be allowed to choose from a range of different devices, flavours and nicotine strengths. This selection of options is being offered to help users pick a product that will work best for them. Behavioural support will also be provided alongside the free vapes to help participants stop smoking.

This scheme is designed to help reduce smoking rates in the country and, ultimately, improve people's health. It will be funded by the health department, and is estimated to cost around £45 million.

What Other Measures Are Included?

Aside from providing UK smokers with free vapes to help them stop smoking, the government is rolling out further measures. This will include:

• Financial incentives to help pregnant women stop smoking - up to £400 will be offered to pregnant women to help them stop smoking. Behavioural support is also to be provided in conjunction with the incentive.

• Consultation to discuss introducing new, mandatory information into cigarette packs - this information will include advice on how to stop smoking.

• Regulations to be further enforced - a new, £3 million-funded group will be used to enforce vaping regulations. It will also help crack down on underage vape sales. 

Why Use Vapes to Stop Smoking?

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, have become a popular way to help people stop smoking.²

In fact, vapes have been used by thousands of people to help them move away from cigarettes.² 

One 2021 study even showed that smokers who used e-cigarettes along with in-person support can be twice as likely to stop smoking - compared to those who used other methods like nicotine gum and patches.²

How to Get Free Vapes through the Swap to Stop Scheme - Am I Eligible?

Details about how to get vapes for free through this scheme are yet to be confirmed. The Department of Health and Social care will release further information in due course. We will update this page with information on how to qualify once these are released. Check back for further details soon, or sign up to our newsletter to get notified first. 

Later on this year, the government will invite local authorities to join the Swap to Stop. Those taking part can adapt the process to suit their region to help local councils focus and prioritise.

You don't have to wait for Swap to Stop to start your vaping journey. What's more, only 1 in 5 smokers in the UK will be able to receive free vapes at the start of the scheme. There are lots of vape products already available from reputable brands, many of which we stock at Vaping.com.

The Best Vaping.com Starter Kits for Switching from Smoking to Vaping

Details about the starter kits on offer by the government are yet to be released. If you don't want to wait to make the switch, find out which alternatives to the free vapes scheme are already available. We've created a top list of the best vape starter kits at Vaping.com.

All of these products offer features that can help make a smooth transition from smoking to vaping.

Vinci Pod Kit

The Vinci by Voopoo has loads of features that allow you to customise your vaping experience - in a simple, compact design. This pod starter kit can be activated by both its fire button and auto draw - meaning you only need to draw on the vape's mouthpiece to start using it. You can also use this feature while the firing button is locked - great if you want to keep your device ready to use while preventing accidental firing. 

The vape also lets you choose your vaping style, with MTL, RDTL and DTL modes available. MTL (Mouth to Lung) style lets you inhale the vapour similar to how you'd smoke a cigarette, and can offer a sense of familiarity when switching over from smoking to vaping. Learn more about these different vaping styles in our comprehensive Vaping FAQs and Buyers Guide. 

The Vinci 3 Pod vape is also super easy to fill up. Using a top-fill port means you won't need to remove the pod to refill.

Price: £29.95

Vaporesso XROS Mini is a pure mouth-to-lung pod vape featuring a rechargeable 1000mAh battery for up to two days of vaping with an easy-to-use, leakproof top fill system, available in a great variety of colours.

This vape also offers an MTL vaping style, which can offer smokers a sense of familiarity and help make the transition over to vaping easier.

Being draw-activated, the Xros Mini is incredibly simple to use and requires no button operation at all. Thanks to the transparent pod you can easily check your nic salt vape juice levels with every vape.

Measuring 9.89mm tall, 23.4mm wide, and 13.5mm deep Xros Mini really is a compact pod vape.

Price: £13.99

Geekvape Sonder U Pod Kit

Geekvape's Sonder U has a 1000mAh integrated rechargeable battery with USB type-C charging which means that it'll last a good amount of time before recharging.

Complete with a 2ml refillable pod which comes with a 0.7hm coil so it's ready to vape with regular e-liquid for a sublime Mouth-To-Lung vape experience.

Price: £9.99

SMOK Solus 2 Kit

Another top Smok vape for beginners is their Solus 2 kit, a stick-shaped device which is super sleek and lightweight - perfect anywhere, any time, simply slip in your pocket and go!

With no buttons, the Solus 2 is activated when you vape and has airflow options for a restricted or open inhale via a twist of the pod. Compatible with satisfying nicotine salts and when you need a power boost, the recharging is super fast.

Price: £9.99

VOOPOO Doric Pod Kit

Voopoo Doric 20 Pod Kit is a pocket-sized device that is easy to use, making it the perfect vape pen regardless of experience. With a rechargeable 1500mAh battery is both powerful and durable, meaning you can vape all day before without having to recharge. 

The Doric 20 is designed for stronger nic salts and 50/50 liquids for a smooth vape, which is satisfying enough for anyone making the switch to vaping.

Price: £17.99

Did you know that, gradually reducing the strength of the nicotine you vape can help you quit vaping, which you can work towards after using vaping to stop smoking.⁴ 

While this list showcases some of our top picks for beginners, there's a whole range of vape starter kits available at Vaping.com. Explore our full range of vape starter kits to get you started on your smoke-free journey.

Sources:

1. Gov.uk, "Smokers urged to swap cigarettes for vapes in world first scheme": https://www.gov.uk/government/news/smokers-urged-to-swap-cigarettes-for-vapes-in-world-first-scheme 
2. NHS,"Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking": https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/ 
3. VApril, "Facts not Fiction": 
4. NHS, "Vaping to quit smoking": https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/