A LOCAL drug and alcohol support service has created a BAFTA-nominated animation as part of a new awareness campaign around ketamine use.
Barnsley Recovery Steps, based at Burleigh Court in the town centre, has been working hard to raise awareness around the dangers of the drug that continues to rise in popularity.
It’s estimated that 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 across the UK used ketamine in the 12 months prior to March 2023 - the largest number on record.
James Pierce, pharmacy and community outreach worker at the campaign from the beginning, has been heavily involved in the ketamine campaign from the beginning, warning about the drug’s effect on the bladder and general wellbeing.
He said: “Ketamine can seriously impact people’s quality of life, both physically and mentally.
“Our aim is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to tailored ketamine-specific support services.
“We want to create an environment where people can feel safe, understood, and supported.
“Even short-term, regular use of ketamine can lead to damage to the bladder and kidneys, as well as have a dramatic impact on mental health.
“While many people don’t view it as addictive, we are seeing an increasing number of young people across the country seeking support to stop using it.
“Ketamine can cause significant harm for those who use it heavily, but it’s important to note that not everyone who uses ketamine will develop dependency or face serious physical harm.
“As with many other substances, media coverage can sometimes contribute to a sense of panic - while there has been an increase in ketamine use, it still remains a drug used by relatively small numbers of people compared to substances like alcohol or cannabis.”
The new campaign uses the real-life stories of people affected by ketamine usage and the effect it’s had on their life.
It involves a range of videos, animations - including a BAFTA-nominated animation called, It’s OK to Ask - and real-life case studies, helping to highlight the realities of ketamine use and its impact.
There are also handbooks for people who use ketamine and handbooks for professionals who support them, digital and print copies of posters and leaflets to further raise awareness - all created by the Barnsley-based service with the help of users.
The project has also received funding from the council.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities at Barnsley Council, added: “We’re really proud to support this campaign and the way it uses impactful storytelling to raise awareness about the risks of ketamine use and the help available.
“We’re committed to supporting our residents’ health and wellbeing, and this campaign shows a fantastic collaboration between our partners and local people to share real-life stories, reduce stigma, and make sure those affected by ketamine use receive support.”
