Ketamine use is rising across the country and in Coventry.
Local drug and alcohol services are keen to share information with young people about the real impact of the drug - and encourage people affected to seek support from local services.
A campaign called It’s ‘K’ to talk, is all about encouraging conversations around Ketamine use.
It was co-designed with young people in Coventry. It’s in response to the increase in Ketamine use both nationally and locally, with the number of individuals accessing support locally for Ketamine increasing by 80% from March 2025.
It is run by Positive Choices, a service commissioned locally by the Council’s Public Health Team. It provides alcohol and drugs advice and support for young people in the city.
It’s ‘K’ to talk targets young people between 13 and 30, professionals and parents and carers.
YP (Former Ketamine user): “I decided to make a change before it's too late. I got help from drug and alcohol services. After spending my late 20s in recovery, I stopped using completely.
“I am now approaching multiple years sober and work in drug and alcohol services, helping those who need it get back into paid work.
“They relate to me, and I relate to them. I have been there. I thought I would always be that way, but not anymore. I never thought I would change, but I could, and I did.
“Ketamine ruined a large part of my life, but it doesn't anymore. My friends haven't got a voice anymore, but I have, and you have too. So, use it. Reach out. Make a change.”
Sharon Bolesworth, Positive Choices and Evolve Cluster Manager, said: “The increase in ketamine use among young people is a growing concern and one that requires all of us, as services, communities, parents and carers, to work together.
“Too often we hear from young people who were unaware of the long-term consequences of ketamine until it had already begun to affect their health and wellbeing.
“The It's 'K' to Talk campaign is about breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions and making it easier for young people to reach out for support.
“Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and through Positive Choices we want every young person in Coventry to know that support is available, confidential and free from judgement. By starting conversations today, we can help prevent harm tomorrow."
Local organisations are working more closely to prevent Ketamine use and support people who are affected by it, geared toward young people.
Things underway in Coventry include a multi-agency pathway meeting and training for professionals alongside a targeted social media campaign aimed at Children and Young People through Snapchat.
A short video advertisement will run for around 20 seconds, which will showcase real life stories of young people in Coventry's experience with Ketamine and take people to a landing page It's K To Talk
Cllr Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This is a really important preventative campaign because it is an issue a lot of parents and carers will not be aware of. The impacts are stark.
“I really hope that we can encourage more supportive conversations around the topic.
“Fortunately, Coventry is not as affected by the issue as other cities, but we must get the message out more often and widely. We must encourage people to seek help.”