ITV Ketamine Documentary Highlights Urgent Need for Drug Education in Schools, Says Kenward Trust
Think Differently programme
Following a recent ITV News investigation into the growing ketamine crisis among young people in Liverpool, including the revelation of a specialist treatment unit for under-16s, Kent-based charity Kenward Trust is warning that early education and prevention have never been more critical.
The ITV report revealed that children as young as 12 and 14 are now receiving treatment for severe physical harm caused by ketamine misuse, including long-term bladder damage and serious mental health consequences. For many families, the impact is devastating.
Here in Kent, statistics have just been released confirming that Medway has seen the fifth greatest increase in the country of children undergoing drug or alcohol treatment, with cannabis, cocain, ecstasy and ketamine amoung the substances taken, and Kent having the 11th highest number of childeren being helped in the whole country.
Penny Williams, CEO
Penny Williams, CEO Kenward Trust said: “When we see children needing specialist treatment for drug harm, it should be a wake-up call for all of us. Education and early intervention can genuinely save lives. Alongside this it is our ambition to be able to extend our expertise to supporting young people with addiction in Kent and Medway, but this would need more funding”
Kenward Trust has delivered its Think Differently schools programme across Kent and Medway, helping young people understand the real risks of drugs and alcohol before experimentation turns into addiction.
Unlike traditional drug education, Think Differently is delivered by a team with lived experience, who have been directly affected by addiction, or by parents who have lost a child.
These honest, powerful sessions help students understand:
· The physical and mental health risks of substances such as ketamine
· How peer pressure, gangs and drugs are often linked
· The emotional impact addiction has on families and relationships
· How early choices can shape future opportunities
Crucially, the programme also shares messages of hope, recovery and support, empowering young people to make safer choices and seek help when needed.
Kenward Trust is encouraging schools, parents and professionals to engage with its Think Differently programme and urges anyone affected by addiction to reach out for support.