Liverpool launches citywide action plan to reduce ketamine harms 

Liverpool City Council has launched a new action plan to tackle ketamine-related harms across the city, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and supporting families and young people. 

Ketamine use is an emerging and complex issue. Unlike other substances where established pathways already exist, ketamine presents unique challenges: patterns of use, rapid escalation, and serious physical harms which are different to other drugs. Local insight shows that first use often occurs between 14 and 16, and families frequently report uncertainty about warning signs or where to find support. 

Nationally, ketamine availability and use have been reported as growing concerns, with increasing treatment presentations and health complications in several areas. While the frequency of use remains lower than for some other substances, ketamine can cause serious and fast-developing harms, particularly among younger people. Liverpool’s action plan aligns with national priorities on drug harm reduction and public health, contributing local learning to wider evidence and policy discussions. 

Without a specific, focused plan, these harms risk being lost within broader drug strategies, meaning opportunities for timely intervention could be missed. Liverpool’s action plan ensures a citywide, coordinated response that puts communities and families at the heart of the work. 

The plan is delivered through strong partnerships, bringing together public health, schools, youth services, healthcare providers, police, treatment services and community organisations. It builds on work already underway across Liverpool, including ketamine awareness drop-ins, more than 1,000 professionals trained by RIVER Drug and Alcohol Service, peer support groups established by Lifeboat, and joint safeguarding and county lines interventions with Merseyside Police and Catch22. 

The Reducing Ketamine Harms Action Plan sets out a clear framework for awareness campaigns, school engagement, peer-led support, strengthened treatment pathways, safeguarding work, and coordinated monitoring to track impact and improve outcomes. It is part of the wider Liverpool Combatting Drugs Partnership approach, which delivers the Government’s From Harm to Hope strategy locally. 

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: 

“We’ve heard directly from parents, schools, youth workers, and community organisations who are worried about the impact of ketamine-related harms on young people in our city. While this is a national issue, the effects are felt in our neighbourhoods – in our families, our schools, and our communities.  

“This action plan is about coming together locally to support one another. It’s about giving families clear information, helping young people make safer choices, and making sure that anyone who needs support can find it quickly and without feeling judged”. 

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health, said: 

“Behind the statistics are real people. Liverpool is taking a proactive, prevention-led approach grounded in public health principles.  

“The Liverpool Combatting Drugs Partnership (CDP) has recognised the growing concern related to ketamine use in Liverpool and has led collaborative work to develop a co-ordinated response and will oversee the delivery of this action plan.    

“By combining local insights, lived experience, and clinical expertise, we aim to reduce harm and improve outcomes.” 

Rachel Fance from RIVER Drug and Alcohol Service added: 

“We are a free and confidential service for people of all ages in Liverpool who are experiencing difficulties with substances. We believe everyone has the ability to make positive changes. We work with individuals, families, carers, and professionals to offer support that’s right for them.  

“We’re hearing from young people who are worried about ketamine, parents who feel unsure what to do, and professionals who want clearer guidance. This action plan gives us a shared framework to respond. At RIVER, our focus is on being approachable, nonjudgemental, and there when people need us, whether that’s for harm reduction advice, clinical support, or just a safe space to talk.” 

Fay Maloney from Lifeboat said: 

“At Lifeboat, young people tell us they often don’t understand the risks of ketamine until harm has already started. Others worry about stigma or getting into trouble if they ask for help. Until they meet others who have recovered from ketamine addiction at the Lifeboat, many don’t realise that there is hope of recovery for them too. This partnership approach means we can reach them sooner, offer honest information, and make sure their voices shape the support available. It’s a vital step in helping young people stay safe, connected, and hopeful about their future.” 

Anyone concerned about ketamine use can contact RIVER Drug and Alcohol Service for confidential advice. For urgent medical concerns, contact NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999. 

The full action plan is available on the Liverpool City Council website.