Campaign tackles ketamine abuse

Campaign tackles ketamine abuse

The second phase of a campaign to tackle growing ketamine use in the city has been launched to coincide with students’ Freshers Week, which started on Monday

Crimestoppers is running its Kick Ket Out campaign in partnership with Lincolnshire Police, the University of Lincoln’s Student Wellbeing team and City of Lincoln Council.

Recent figures highlight the urgent need for awareness. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) obtained by the UKAT Group, deaths linked to ketamine have increased by 650% since 2015, with current trends showing around one death per week. Among those under 30, fatalities have risen by 300%, underlining the escalating risks faced by young people.

Phase 1 of the campaign, delivered earlier this year, had a significant impact, using social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, the campaign reached thousands with powerful personal stories of recovery and the catastrophic health consequences of ketamine misuse.

The campaign saw:

  • 56% increase in ketamine-related reports in Lincoln City.
  • 57% increase in reports across Lincolnshire.
  • Over 81,000 social media impressions via Crimestoppers channels, reaching nearly 24,000 people aged 18–65.
  • On Snapchat via Fearless, the campaign achieved 1.2 million impressions, reaching 127,000 young people aged 14–25.

Reports generated from the campaign included intelligence on drug trafficking and supply, as well as safeguarding concerns, knife crime, drug driving, firearms, and violence — showing the wider ripple effect of ketamine misuse in communities.

Phase 2 will build on this momentum, running over four weeks and coinciding with Freshers’ Week to reach even more students. Social media content will continue to run across Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, while visible outreach activity will take place in Lincoln.

On September 22 marking the first anniversary of the tragic death of Sophie Russell, a digital ad-van and iWalkers will share Sophie’s story across the city centre and university campuses, underlining the human cost of ketamine misuse.

Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager for Crimestoppers said: “The physical impact of ketamine is monumental. Many individuals become addicted very quickly and then face the harrowing effects of severe pain, memory loss, and the debilitating condition of k-bladder.  

“We are calling on the community to help us make our streets safer by reporting information about ketamine dealers to Crimestoppers. Your reports is 100% anonymous, guaranteed.”

Chris Chapman, Detective Sergeant Lincolnshire Police said: “Ketamine causes devastating harm in our communities that is preventable through education and enforcement. This is an important campaign aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of this drug and encourage reporting of information. 

“This is not a harmless party drug; it is highly addictive and potentially deadly and therefore it’s a priority for us to take action against those involved in the supply and distribution.”

Julie Spencer, Head of Student Wellbeing said: “Student safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. We're pleased to support the second phase of the Kick Ket Out campaign, helping to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and ensure our students make informed choices. Tackling ketamine misuse is about highlighting the risks but also creating a supportive community where people know there is help for them.”

“For University of Lincoln students, if you need advice or have been impacted, please complete this form, and we will be in touch."

If you or someone you know needs help: Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership provides a free and confidential service for anyone in the county wanting to make a positive change regarding their drug or alcohol use. The team, many of whom have personal experience, offers non-judgmental support, including advice, medication, detox, rehabilitation, and group support. Get in touch by calling 0800 304 7021 or visiting www.lincsrecoverypartnership.co.uk 

Please note Crimestoppers is completely anonymous. With www.Fearless.org  and www.Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced. For telephone calls to the independent charity’s UK Contact Centre, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Date

23 September 2025

Tags

News