Saints kick off drive to protect young people from ketamine harm

Crimestoppers, St.Helens R.F.C. and the Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF) have come together to launch a new campaign to highlight the dangers of Ketamine as concerns continue to rise over its use in the town.

There is particular concern over its use by young people as users can quickly become addicted to the drug which can cause physical and mental harm, and irreversible life-changing conditions.

Crimestoppers working with football in Merseyside on the 4 Clubs, 1 Goal initiative on a recent ketamine campaign saw a significant increase in reports, with over a quarter of those from St. Helens.

The issues the drug is causing across Merseyside can only be tackled if organisations come together to create greater awareness. Education of both parents and young people about the serious health impacts that can result using this drug.

The campaign was launched at the BrewDog stadium and was attended by players from the Saints men’s and women’s teams, the Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Cllr Jeanine Bell, Crimestoppers Regional Manager Gary Murray and representatives from Merseyside Police.

Steve Leonard, Saints Community Development Foundation Director said; “Ketamine is destroying lives in our community daily. We all need to come together and make a difference by actions. This addiction not only destroys the individual, but it’s also destroying families.

“St.Helens R.F.C. and our the SCDF have come together with Crimestoppers and partners to send a clear message. If you are struggling with Ketamine, there are people and places that can help you without judgement. Please visit the Foundations website or St Helens Council to find out more.

“If, however, you are profiting from other people’s demise, there is no place for you in our society. We will work hard with Crimestoppers and Merseyside police and partners to help your neighbours and friends to speak up. For the people who are suffering from your abuse, to get help and speak up knowing they have the full support of the rest of the Community.”

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers North West Regional Manager, said: “It’s heartbreaking to hear of the number of young people in St Helens and across Merseyside whose lives are being destroyed by the abuse of Ketamine.”

“The public in St Helens have a key role to play in helping young people make safer decisions.

“We need people speak up anonymously to Crimestoppers, either online or by phone about those who are bringing the drug into Merseyside, how the drugs are transported, where they’re stored and about those who are dealing the drug in St Helens.”

Cllr Jeanie Bell, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and Chair of the Combatting Drugs Partnership, said: “Ketamine is far from a harmless drug. It carries serious physical and mental health risks, and we are seeing the impact it is having on young people here in St Helens.

“Tackling this rise in ketamine use is a key priority for the St Helens Combatting Drugs Partnership. I welcome the proactive work already underway with local organisations to raise awareness and respond to this growing concern, helping us prevent further harm.

“But this is an issue that requires all of us to stand together. Every resident has a role to play in protecting our community.

“Information is crucial. If you know who is supplying, dealing, or storing ketamine, please report it anonymously to Crimestoppers. Each piece of intelligence helps us disrupt those bringing drugs into our neighbourhoods and keep our young people safe. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Inspector Stacey Pope of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at St Helens said: “We’re pleased to support this campaign in partnership with Crimestoppers and the Saints Community Development Foundation. This campaign is about coming together to protect young people from the serious risks associated with ketamine use.

“Not only can ketamine cause severe health problems including bladder, kidney and liver damage that can be irreversible, but young people may also be at risk of being drawn into the world of County Lines drug dealing.

“When respected local organisations like the Saints work alongside police and community partners, we can make a real difference. We need everyone to play their part – whether that’s parents talking to their children, young people looking out for their friends, or residents reporting concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

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