Coventry’s substance misuse services have launched an outreach initiative to educate young people about the consequences of ketamine consumption while directing those struggling with dependency toward available assistance.
A community-driven approach has emerged to address rising ketamine-related concerns among local youth.
Developed collaboratively with Coventry’s young population, the programme tackles escalating substance misuse through preventative strategies and supportive interventions.
Local health authorities have documented a significant surge in ketamine-related support requests, with an 80 percent increase recorded since March 2025.
The initiative specifically targets adolescents and young adults aged between 13 and 30, alongside professionals, parents and carers.
The scheme is operated by Positive Choices, a service commissioned by the Council’s Public Health Team, offering advice and support regarding alcohol and drug-related matters for young people across the city.
One individual who previously used ketamine described their path toward recovery.
The person explained that they chose to make changes before circumstances deteriorated further, accessing assistance from local drug and alcohol services during their late twenties.
After years dedicated to recovery, complete abstinence was achieved.
The individual now has multiple years of sobriety and works within drug and alcohol services, assisting others in returning to employment.
They noted that those they help can relate to their experience, and they can relate to theirs, having been through similar circumstances.
The individual expressed that they once believed their situation would remain permanent, but improvement proved possible.
They stated that ketamine had severely impacted a significant portion of their life, though this was no longer the case.
They observed that friends they had lost to addiction no longer have a voice, whereas they themselves now possess one, as do others, and urged those reading to utilise it by reaching out and making changes.
Sharon Bolesworth, who manages both Positive Choices and the Evolve Cluster, acknowledged that the rise in ketamine use among young people represents a growing concern requiring collaborative action from services, communities, parents and carers.
She noted that professionals frequently encounter young people who were unaware of ketamine’s long-term effects until health and wellbeing had already begun deteriorating.
The campaign aims to dismantle barriers, address misunderstandings and simplify the process for young people seeking assistance.
According to Bolesworth, asking for help demonstrates strength rather than vulnerability, and through Positive Choices, the goal is ensuring every young person in Coventry understands that support exists, remains confidential and involves no judgment.
She expressed that initiating discussions in the present can help prevent harm in the future.
Agencies across Coventry are intensifying cooperation to combat ketamine use and support those affected.
Current measures include multi-agency pathway meetings, professional training sessions and a focused social media push targeting children and young people via Snapchat.
A brief video advertisement lasting approximately 20 seconds will present genuine accounts from Coventry young people regarding their experiences with ketamine, linking viewers to the campaign landing page.
Councillor Mal Mutton, whose portfolio encompasses Children and Young People, emphasised the significance of the preventative campaign, noting that many parents and carers remain uninformed about the issue and that the effects are severe.
Mutton expressed hope that more supportive discussions about the topic could be encouraged.
While Coventry has not experienced the issue as acutely as other cities, Mutton stressed the importance of disseminating information more frequently and broadly, urging individuals to seek help.