Settle Well students lead youth-driven push to say no to vaping
Through our Settle Well program, students have created youth-led resources as part of a vape prevention project, helping their peers make informed choices and avoid the harms of vaping.
Young people in Geelong are stepping up as leaders in the conversation around vaping, using their voices and lived experience to help others make informed, healthier choices.
Students from CatholicCare Victoria’s (CCV) Settle Well program at North Geelong Secondary College and Northern Bay College worked together to create a range of posters, videos and workshop resources designed to raise awareness of vaping and support their peers to avoid it.
Delivered across 2025 and culminating in a final film screening in early 2026, the project brought together students, teachers and community partners to address an issue impacting the wellbeing of young people across the region.
Young people shaping the message
A key strength of the project was its co-design approach, with Settle Well students playing a central role in shaping messages based on their own experiences and what they see among their peers.
The result is a collection of resources that speak directly to young people in a way that feels relevant, relatable and real.
Zane, a Settle Well student who played a leading role in the project, said the experience had been both empowering and meaningful.
“It’s been empowering. It really has been a great project,” he said.
“I was the main leader for that project, attending everything, and it was aimed at young people, preventing them from harmful chemicals in vapes. It made me feel proud of speaking up on something that affects them in a way that they don’t see.”
Zane said using visual storytelling helped the team connect more effectively with their audience.
“It was a really good opportunity to talk to them through visuals. To share my voice means I speak for young people and what I’ve seen them struggle with.”
“It’s been empowering. It really has been a great project”
Building confidence and connection
For Farzana, the project has also been part of a broader journey of settling into life in Australia and finding her place in the community.
“When refugees first arrive to this country, the majority of them don’t know what to do first,” she said.
“Settle Well works really well in helping them connect with the community.”
After arriving in Australia two years ago, Farzana said the program helped her build confidence and connection.
“When I first came to Australia, I had absolutely no idea where I was going with my life. Settle Well has helped me connect with my peers and my community,” she said.
“I’ve learnt a lot from the leadership program and the communities Settle Well has brought me.”
Being part of the vape prevention project also helped Farzana grow her communication skills and confidence.
“It has taught me a lot about communicating with others. I’ve had a big joy in that and feel very proud to be a part of it,” she said.
“I believe it’s something to take pride in, being able to share a video and speak after all the work that has gone into it.”
“When I first came to Australia, I had absolutely no idea where I was going with my life. Settle Well has helped me connect with my peers and my community,”
Real conversations, real impact
Through videos and workshops, students unpacked the realities of vaping, including its health impacts and the misconceptions that can make it seem harmless.
Zane hopes the project will encourage other young people to think more carefully about their choices.
“I’m hoping that people change after this video. They really consider their choices,” he said.
“Vaping might seem like just a little liquid or gas, but there are harmful chemicals in there that affect your body, your mind, your study, your school life and your relationships.”
“I really want young people to take away that it’s not good for you and it needs to change before you get addicted.”
Farzana shares a similar hope for the project’s impact.
“I hope they take away that vaping is bad for you and to think about their future and their communities, and how it impacts the people around you,” she said.
A collaborative community effort
The initiative was funded by VicHealth and supported by the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Development team, with strong collaboration between students, teachers and community partners.
Together, they developed practical resources that can be used by schools and youth services to continue conversations about vaping and prevention.
Supporting young people to thrive
The project reflects CCV’s commitment to supporting young people, particularly those from refugee and migrant backgrounds, to feel confident, connected and heard in their communities.
Through the Settle Well program, and initiatives like the vape prevention project, young people are supported to build leadership, strengthen resilience and develop a strong sense of belonging.
Most importantly, this project is helping young people look out for one another and make informed choices that protect their health and future.
