A new citywide campaign has been launched in Sheffield to raise awareness about the risks of ketamine usage and encourage more open conversations around support and harm reduction.
The “Lets Talk About Ket” campaign led by Likewise Sheffield in partnership with 1625 and The Corner, aims to help people become better informed about ketamine, including its effects on the body, safer use advice, and where people can access support.
Eve Le Sueur form likewise Sheffield said: “Ketamine use is rising nationally, particularly among young people, this campaign aims to help people make more informed decisions so they can stay safer.”
According to the Department of Health’s latest figures in 2025, Ketamine use and drug poising’s are the highest on record with eight times more people seeking treatment since 2015.
The six-week campaign began with a sold out conference designed to improve peoples understanding of Ketamine and its impact across Sheffield, brining together people from a range of sectors including healthcare, social care, and community services.
Alongside the conference the campaign has included pop-up events across the city, information sessions for young people, parents and careers and social media content sharing lived experience from people directly effected by ketamine use.
Ms Le Sueur said: “Ketamine can have serious life altering effects on the body, including bladder damage chronic pain and other long term health issues.”
Organisers hope the campaign will encourage more open conversations about ketamine use, helping people access support before health problems become more serious.
“Its important that communities across Sheffield are aware of the support available, as well as for their family,” Ms Le Sueur said, “That’s why the campaign is called ‘Lets talk about Ket’ we want people to feel able to have open conversations and to know where they can turn for help and support.”
Campaign organisers said the goal is not only to highlight the dangers associated with Ketamine but also to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support earlier.
The initiative was developed alongside people with lived experience of ketamine use who are helping shape the key messages and identify the areas where support and information are most needed.