Lib Dems back public health approach to dealing with Liverpool’s Ketamine Problem

• Lib Dems call for more support for mental health services to support young people struggling with addiction.
• Cross party support for tackling the increasing drug problem amongst Liverpool’s young people
• Cllr Liz Makinson: “This is a step in the right direction but more support is needed for money needed for mental health services.”

Liverpool Lib Dem have voted in favour of a motion calling for a public health approach to tackling the growing ketamine problems among the city’s young people.

The motion calls for a cross collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare professionals, the police and the council. Lib Dem Shadow Health Spokesperson, Cllr Liz Makinson called the motion a step in the right direction and voiced the Lib Dems groups support and commitment to supporting this work in their own wards.

Cllr Makinson spoke about young people using ketamine to self-medicate and the need for Labour to put more funding into mental health support for young people, especially bridging the gap between children's and adults' mental health services. 

Merseyside Police has issued a warning over dangerous batches of drugs being sold in the city centre. People who have taken the drugs they’ve purchased on a night out have ended up in hospital with serious conditions. Last week they reported two men being charged with supplying drugs using Instagram.

Cllr Liz Makinson, Shadow Cabinet member for Health, said: 

“The rise in ketamine use among our young people is a pressing concern that demands immediate and coordinated action. We can never stop young people experimenting with drugs but we need to do everything we can to prevent addiction and the long term damage that can do. As a teacher, I know that an informed young person who understands the risks involved can make a better informed decision. 

“A number of these young people turn to drugs to self-medicate and deal with their mental health conditions - in the end that’s dangerous. We need more support and funding for mental health services, so young people can access the support they need. 

“We’ve supported this motion because we are committed to working together to tackle this issue through proactive measures that prioritise education, prevention, and support. We need to treat this like the public health problem it is. We’re committed to working together with our colleagues across the council and throughout the city to tackle this issue head on.”