Liverpool says nearly four thousand professionals have received ketamine awareness training since the city launched its action plan in March. Hundreds of young people have also been referred for support, while specialist health services, schools, community groups and police work together to reduce harm and improve access to help.
Liverpool City Council has announced that its comprehensive action plan to reduce ketamine-related harm is showing clear progress only months after its launch. The initiative serves as a multi-sector response, uniting health services, schools, community organizations, police, and youth services. The program aims to increase public awareness, improve access to support, and reduce instances of substance-related harm. Since its inception in March, the campaign has seen over 4,000 professionals attend specialized awareness sessions delivered by River, a confidential, all-age community drug and alcohol support service based in Liverpool.
This educational outreach has extended to secondary schools, colleges, and universities, ensuring that information and guidance reach parents, carers, and students alike. The council intends to continue these efforts, with plans to recirculate educational materials following the summer break and maintain a consistent focus throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. Digital outreach has also proven successful, with River’s website recording over 115,000 visits between January and June. These awareness initiatives have been integrated into school assemblies, personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) lessons, and campus drop-in events.
Currently, approximately 200 adults and young people are receiving specialized support for ketamine-related concerns, where the drug is identified as a primary or significant substance of concern. A specialized clinic operated by Alder Hey Children's Hospital, with support from River, is providing targeted care for young people experiencing adverse health effects, including bladder damage. Professor Matt Ashton, the Director of Public Health for Liverpool, emphasized the necessity of these interventions, noting that ketamine is often erroneously perceived as a low-risk substance. Ashton warned that the reality involves severe physical and mental health risks, with bladder damage being a particularly significant concern for regular users.
