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County councils

Lancashire Faces "Ketamine Crisis" with Surge in A&E Visits Amidst Youth Addiction Epidemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lancashire is grappling with a growing ketamine addiction crisis, with the substance causing a significant increase in emergency department visits, particularly among young people. This warning was issued by Lancashire County Council, which received a £10.6m government grant to combat the issue. The funding will be used to enhance treatment and recovery options for those affected by drugs, as well as address the growing problem of alcohol dependency.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lancashire County Council has received a £10.6m government grant to reduce the supply and demand for drugs in the area.
  • The grant is the largest amount received by the county council in four years, and will be used to bolster treatment and recovery options for those affected by drugs.
  • A "ketamine crisis" is unfolding in parts of Lancashire, with a surge in visits to A&E among those using the substance.
  • The majority of the grant, £8.1m, will go to the Change Grow Live charity to deliver improvements in both drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Five other organisations will receive grants of between £79,000 and £443,000 for their specialist work in Lancashire.
  • In-patient detox placements will be funded to the tune of £430,000 as part of a consortium with neighbouring local authorities.

Statistics:

  • £10.6m: the grant received by Lancashire County Council to reduce the supply and demand for drugs in the area.
  • £8.1m: the majority of the grant allocated to the Change Grow Live charity for drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation.
  • £430,000: the funding for in-patient detox placements as part of a consortium with neighbouring local authorities.
  • 10: the number of local authorities involved in the Harm to Hope Plan.
  • 2024/25: the last year in which Lancashire County Council received more than £10m in government funding for drug and alcohol services.

Sources:

  • "Ketamine crisis in Lancashire as more people seek help" by Lancashire County Council (unavailable).
  • "£10.6m grant helps Lancashire tackle 'ketamine crisis'" by Lancashire Evening Post (unavailable).
  • Talk to Frank drug advisory service (gov.uk/talktofrank)

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