Skip to main content

Vape Brain sculpture - school tour

Last updated on 08 May 2026
Hertfordshire County Councilby Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health team has been working in partnership with Herts Regional College and local young people to co‑produce an innovative campaign that helps young people understand the risks associated with nicotine vapes.

Central to the campaign is a powerful sculpture of a brain, created by 3D Design students from the college. The sculpture represents the impact nicotine dependence can have on young people’s mental health and developing brains. It also incorporates real quotes from young people, allowing their lived experiences to be shared in their own words.

The sculpture is supported by a school toolkit, which provides access to resources, and a dedicated campaign webpage offering further information and support for young people, their parents and carers, and schools.

Vape Brain sculpture

Key campaign messages

  • Vapes are less harmful than cigarettes (therefore a good aid to help adult smokers quit smoking), but they are not harmless.
  • Many vapes contain nicotine, which is very addictive.
  • Young People’s brains are still developing, and nicotine can mess with that.
  • Nicotine use can negatively affect mental health and wellbeing

About the sculpture

  • The sculpture is just over 2metres square (2200mm X 2200mm X 2200mm) when assembled
  • Quick and easy to assemble, with full instructions included in the toolkit
  • The sculpture is delivered directly to schools and collected afterward the visit
  • Available for Monday-Friday bookings

School engagements

  • To date, the Vape Brain sculpture has visited 12 Hertfordshire secondary schools.
  • It also featured during the two weeks of engagement at the “Crucial Crew” event, reaching Year 6 pupils from the majority of primary schools in and around St Albans (approximately 900 pupils).
  • The school tour will conclude at the end of the current academic year.
  • There is still availability to book visits in May, June and July.

Feedback from participating schools has been extremely positive, and we strongly encourage schools to host a Vape Brain visit.

Media coverage

You can view positive media coverage of the campaign here:

Book a visit

For more information or to book the Vape Brain sculpture for your school, please contact Lauren Cleghorn - Smokefree.Hertfordshire@hertfordshire.gov.uk