Coventry launches 'It's K to Talk' campaign to curb ketamine use among youth

The initiative was announced on 2 October 2026 and is being delivered by the council-commissioned Positive Choices service.

Rising concern

The move follows a sharp rise in ketamine consumption across the country and a local surge that saw the number of people seeking help for the drug increase by 80 % since March 2025.

Developed in partnership with young people living in Coventry, the campaign targets not only the users themselves but also parents, carers and professionals who work with them. Positive Choices, the service that runs the scheme, provides confidential advice and support for drug-related issues and is funded by the council’s Public Health Team.

Campaign details

A former ketamine user, now employed by drug and alcohol services, told the council they stopped using in their late twenties and have been sober for several years, urging peers to reach out for help. Sharon Bolesworth, manager of Positive Choices and the Evolve Cluster, said the increase in ketamine use among young people is a growing concern and that the campaign is about breaking down barriers, challenging misconceptions and making confidential support easier to access.

Local organisations are working more closely together, with a multi-agency pathway meeting and training sessions for professionals already scheduled. A targeted social-media push on Snapchat will aim directly at children and young people, and a 20-second video advertisement featuring real stories from Coventry residents will direct viewers to a dedicated landing page titled “It’s K To Talk”.

Cllr Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, described the effort as an important preventative measure, noting that many parents may be unaware of the issue and that, while Coventry is less affected than some other cities, the message must be spread widely to encourage supportive conversations and help-seeking.