Knowsley Council’s Cabinet has agreed the implementation of eight recommendations for reducing ketamine use in the borough, following an in-depth review by the council’s Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.
Ketamine use is a growing issue nationally and work is taking place to raise awareness of the harms it causes and how people can access support. The review undertaken by the Health and Adult Social Care Committee looked closely at how ketamine is impacting local people – with a particular focus on young people – and what more can be done to prevent harm and support vulnerable residents.
An overview of the scrutiny review
The aim of the review was to:
- Explore issues around ketamine use in Knowsley, examining the extent of use and the impact it has on the physical and mental health of residents
- Explore the public health approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery
- Gain the perspective of service users who have real life lived experience of ketamine use and dependence
Over six evidence finding sessions, the committee:
- Visited local treatment centres to see how residents receive support
- Heard from national experts on why ketamine use is rising
- Learned how stigma stops people from seeking help early
- Received powerful testimonies from young adults with lived experience
- Spoke with hospital clinicians treating severe physical harm
- Reviewed data on ambulance callouts, A&E attendances and policing
- Looked at opportunities to strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery
The committee’s findings confirmed that ketamine is causing significant physical and mental health harm in Knowsley, especially among young people, and that early identification and support can make a huge difference.
The work resulted in eight key recommendations:
- Continue the partnership approach
Health services, schools, youth justice, police, and community organisations will work even more closely to identify ketamine use early and help residents access timely support.
- Improved communication and awareness raising of ketamine harms
Many people still don’t know how harmful ketamine can be. The committee recommended that there is need for further awareness raising campaigns, training for professionals and age-appropriate resources.
- Improved data collection on ketamine use
Local hospitals, GPs, mental health services, police and the council will be requested to review how they collect and share information about ketamine use.
- Earlier identification of people at risk
Many people only seek help after suffering severe bladder damage or declining mental health. To combat this, frontline workers will be supported to ask the right questions and refer people to support earlier.
- Support for the most vulnerable
Young people, care‑experienced individuals, neurodivergent residents and those with trauma histories are at higher risk. Targeted intervention strategies and closer working between services will help protect those who need it most.
- A safeguarding‑first approach
Instead of treating drug use as purely a behavioural issue, instead the committee recommends schools and services to focus on safeguarding—recognising vulnerability and reducing ineffective punitive approaches.
- Better support for parents and carers
Parents often spot problems first and during interviews professionals commented on the important role parents and carers can play in recovery. However, many don’t know what ketamine signs look like.
The committee recommends raising awareness for parents and careers on both ketamine use, the signs to spot and support available.
- Strengthened local and national policies
The Council will work with local partners and look to highlight best practice and gaps in support to national government.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “On behalf of the Cabinet Members, I would like to thank the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee as well as the Council Officers, external partners and the brave residents with lived experience who took part in what was an excellent scrutiny session.
The session highlighted the challenges currently facing our community on this new and constantly evolving issue. I whole-heartedly agree with the recommendations agreed by Cabinet.”
You can read the full report here.