Publish date: 12 August 2026
Healthcare organisations and partners across the Fylde Coast are supporting a drive to educate young people of the dangers of Ketamine abuse.
Ketamine is a drug growing in popularity and increasingly linked to serious health issues and deaths.
As a result of an increase in concerns over Ketamine misuse in the area, a partnership has been established between partners including Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, Blackpool Council, the Awaken Exploitation Team, local education settings, community drug services, and the Police. Together, this partnership aims to empower young people with accurate, evidence‑based information, encourage open conversations about drug use, and reduce stigma around seeking support.
The sessions, delivered to students in year nine and above, focuses on recognising the symptoms of Ketamine, understanding the long‑term health consequences, and knowing how to access help and support.
As part of the session, Dr Laycock shares a short video featuring Finley Worthington, a recovering Ketamine addict, who’s real‑life experience gives students a powerful insight into the devastating impact the drug can have.
In the video Finley comments about his addiction saying: “If I didn’t see blood in my urine that was more worrying than seeing blood. Alongside this I am having problems with debt, every relationship in my family broke down because I was letting people down. I was lying to people; I became a person that I didn’t want to become.”
Dr Nigel Laycock said: “I’ve been a paediatric consultant for over 20 years and Ketamine scares me. It is very accessible to young people, and taking the drug for only six months can have a life‑changing impact on your health. Unfortunately, we are seeing young people die from taking Ketamine, and I’m urging those who have taken it — or those considering trying it — to think otherwise.”
Cllr Jo Farrell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Blackpool Council, said:
“Ketamine misuse among young people in Blackpool is an increasing public health concern, closely linked to wider inequalities and the social determinants of health.
“Through a focus on prevention, early intervention, and strong multi-agency, co-produced approaches, we are working to reduce harm, build resilience and improve outcomes for our most vulnerable young people.
“A fantastic example of this work is Project K, a peer-led ketamine support group based in Blackpool and open to anyone aged 18 and over. The project is delivered by Horizon, Blackpool’s drug and alcohol support service. For further information or to access support, please contact Horizon on 01253 205157”.
Dr Laycock added: “There is a lot of misleading information online and on social media about drugs. We are here to share the real effects and consequences that Ketamine can have. I’d urge everyone — including parents — to educate themselves about the risks, the symptoms, and the support available.”
You can access the video used in the sessions, along with information about symptoms of Ketamine use and details of local and national support services, by clicking here.
