17 July, 2025
burnley-advocates-call-for-children-s-ketamine-treatment-centre

Local advocates in Burnley are urging authorities to establish a children’s ketamine treatment centre in Lancashire, following the launch of a recovery programme for minors at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. This initiative is notable as it is reportedly the first of its kind in England, addressing the urgent need for support for children struggling with ketamine addiction.

Calls for a Local Programme

The campaign, titled “Kick Out Ket,” spearheaded by the Burnley Express, is led by Fr Alex Frost, a vicar at St Matthew’s Church. He highlights a significant gap in the support available for children facing addiction to this Class B substance, which is a potent anaesthetic linked to serious health risks, including irreversible bodily harm and potential death.

Fr Frost has been in contact with numerous families grappling with the challenges of finding appropriate detox or rehabilitation services for their children. He notes that many general practitioners (GPs) often direct families towards “talking therapy” or provide them with general information on ketamine, rather than offering tailored medical assessments or referrals to specialist services.

“One mother was told to buy her daughter a new dress to cheer her up a bit. It’s just bonkers,” Fr Frost remarked.

The Urgency for Comprehensive Care

Fr Frost advocates for a more structured approach from healthcare providers, suggesting that GPs need clearer guidelines on the most effective support pathways for minors. He emphasizes that children presenting with ketamine addiction should undergo thorough medical assessments to address the substance’s detrimental effects on various organs, including the nose, bladder, liver, and kidneys, as well as its impact on mental health.

“There needs to be a proper programme for how we are going to treat children,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of assessing the severity of addiction and determining appropriate treatment methods. He cautions that for those who have been using ketamine for extended periods, the situation requires more than just conversation; it necessitates immediate and serious intervention.

Fr Frost expresses concern that without timely action, the ketamine crisis could escalate. “I think the key is early intervention,” he stated. “The consequences of just leaving it as it is are tenfold.” He elaborated on the far-reaching effects on children’s health and their future aspirations, as well as the emotional toll on parents and siblings.

“The impact on parents is profound. They are often good people who are deeply worried about their children,” he added. “The effect on siblings is also overlooked; they witness the struggles of someone who should be a role model.”

He warns that the strain on the national health system could increase significantly if more cases of severe health complications arise from untreated ketamine use, ultimately placing a burden on taxpayers and health services.

Fr Frost’s advocacy reflects a growing awareness of the issue. “After months of speaking out about ketamine, I have seen a rise in awareness,” he noted. “I feel we are no longer talking to a brick wall. People do care, and there is a movement to address this issue. We must ensure that stakeholders committed to effecting change stay focused on this vital cause.”

The call for a local children’s ketamine treatment centre in Lancashire continues to gain momentum, as advocates like Fr Frost push for a proactive response to a pressing public health concern. The need for immediate action is clear, and the hope is that local authorities will consider the establishment of such a facility to support vulnerable children and their families.