The campaign follows on from findings from research carried out by Social Change, commissioned by the Lincolnshire service and Lincolnshire Council at the end of last year, that found that 58% of 18–30-year-olds surveyed had used ketamine and that 72% of people accessing support for ketamine were aged between 15-30 years-old.
The survey also reinforced research into the reasons for the use of ketamine. It’s considered a relatively cheap and accessible drug, with 68% saying they had used it at parties and festivals. Additionally, the reasons cited for use included ‘management of stress’, ‘for mental health issues’ and ‘for management of physical pain’.
From September 21-October 2nd, Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership and North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, which are run by leading social enterprise Turning Point, in partnership with Double Impact and Framework, will carry out the Know Your Ket campaign.
The county-wide messaging aims to raise awareness of the harm associated with ketamine use, ways to reduce the risks and the local support available.
There will be displays across service hubs, social media messaging and advertising, the launch of new ketamine awareness leaflets, campaign stands at freshers and college events, and outreach to schools, partner organisations, GPs and other local healthcare professionals.
The Lincolnshire services will be holding a webinar for professionals and volunteers on September 29th and another on October 2nd which will specifically focus on the impact of ketamine on women and girls.
Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership has seen the number of people referred to the service for ketamine use more than double from 206 in April 2024 to 416 in September 2026. For those who went on to start treatment, 86% were aged between 15-34-years-old.
In response, the service has implemented a dedicated ketamine pathway run by specialist multidisciplinary teams that include clinicians, nurses, therapists, recovery workers and peer mentors.
North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, which launched in February 2026, said 83% of people referred for support for ketamine use are aged between 18-30 years-old. They are currently in the process of embedding a newly-launched ketamine pathway.
Andrew (not real name) started using drugs and alcohol at the age of 13 to deal with personal struggles.
"I realised I stopped using substances for recreational purposes (bars and clubs) and started using them to cope with my mental health, current and past traumas, and neurodiversity issues," said Andrew.
"This persisted and I became addicted to multiple substances, including ketamine, and was poly-using daily.
"I was working in management roles throughout this time, so the high pressure and stress was most likely a factor. My morals and behaviour were at their worst - I experienced overdoses, my physical health was poor, I was extremely underweight, and my mental health was at its absolute lowest."
In November 2024, Andrew decided to turn his life around and self-referred to Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership.
"I was terrified of starting this process but just under a week later I had my first assessment with my newly appointed treatment worker who greeted me with a smile and spoke to me like a human being. This immediately put me at ease and made the coming months less gruelling than they would have been without the support I was receiving.
"I now use my lived experience and knowledge to support people who are also in recovery which is the most rewarding and meaningful role I could ask for.
"My recovery is going amazingly having passed the one-year mark. I cannot wait to see what my future holds."
Lucy Gavens, Public Health Consultant at Lincolnshire County Council said:
"Ketamine use is becoming an increasing concern locally, particularly among young adults. Through the Know Your Ket campaign, we want to raise awareness of the risks, challenge misconceptions, and make sure people know where to turn for support.
"If ketamine use is affecting your health, relationships, education or work, I would encourage you not to wait until problems become more serious. Support is available locally, and seeking help early can make a real difference.
Diane Lee, Director of Public Health, Northern Lincolnshire added:
“With ketamine use rising, it is vital that people understand the risks and know where to find support.
“We know that many people, particularly young people, may not fully understand the serious and long-term health complications ketamine can cause. That is why it is so important to work with our partners to provide clear information, reduce stigma, and make support as accessible as possible. Everyone should feel able to seek advice or help, whether for themselves or someone they are concerned about.
“NEL Recovery Partnership plays a vital role in providing education, harm reduction, and specialist treatment for ketamine use, ensuring people can access the right support at the right time to achieve lasting recovery and thrive within NEL.”
Gav Burton, Advanced Recovery Practitioner specialising in non-opiate substances at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, said.
“With the rise of ketamine use and ongoing impacts on the health of young people, it’s imperative that awareness is improved and barriers to support reduced.
“We work closely with local organisations such as the University of Lincoln where we hold drop-in sessions and harm reduction pop up events to build connections with our community and deliver vital education on risks so that people can make more informed choices about substance use, but also receive support, gain awareness, and build connection and trust with Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership.”
Adam Sutcliffe, Senior Operations Manager at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, said:
“We want people to know that services are available and specialists are on hand for people who may be looking for advice or wanting to reduce or stop taking ketamine.
“Ketamine may seem like a harmless party drug, but it can have devastating long-term consequences which is why drug and alcohol services, GPs, pharmacists, and other medical professionals are urging people to seek help.
“Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership has developed a ketamine pathway that provides tailored support for each individual based on their needs. We have addiction specialists and people with lived experience to guide individuals in their recovery journeys.”
Leah Briggs, Senior Operations Manager at North East Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, said:
"Campaigns like this are vital to raise awareness of a growing issue in our community. Ketamine is becoming more and more common as a recreational drug and people are often unaware of the potentially devastating lifelong health consequences.
“We want people to know that the service is here and can provide support for anyone who is experiencing issues or wanting to know more. We have a new pathway that provides person centred support as well as links our local health specialists who can all help individuals on their road to recovery"
To find out more, visit the Know Your Ket webpage.