Burnley MP Oliver Ryan welcomes funding for Ketamine Education Services
Burnley’s fight against drug harm has received a £10,000 boost after Ketamine Education Services secured new funding through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s MP Fund.
The joint initiative between the PCC and local MPs is designed to channel money directly into projects that strengthen community safety – and Burnley is now set to benefit.
The funding, provided by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and allocated locally by Burnley MP Oliver Ryan, will support education and early-intervention work with young people and families on the risks and realities of ketamine use.
The fund exists to respond to what communities actually want, backing projects that prevent harm, reduce crime and strengthen support for those most at risk. This award reflects a shared commitment from the PCC to step in early and invest where it will make the biggest difference.
Mr Ryan said: “Ketamine Education Services does incredibly important work, helping our children and families understand the very real dangers of this drug. With ketamine use rising by 400% over the past decade, I’m proud to support an organisation that’s stepping in where it matters most – at the earliest possible stage. Early intervention saves lives, and this service is making a genuine difference by reaching people before harm is done.
“Seeing such a practical, education-led approach that supports families makes me proud to represent our town.”
Finley Worthington said: “At Ketamine Education Services (K.E.S.), lived experience is the foundation of everything we do.
“Our current focus is prevention, delivered through educational sessions in schools, colleges, prisons, workplaces, and a wide range of community settings. These sessions provide honest, evidence-based information about ketamine, addiction more broadly, and the realities of mental health – highlighting the real impact these issues can have on individuals, families, and communities.
“We also provide ongoing support for those affected by ketamine addiction. This includes online meetings for people struggling with ketamine use, dedicated meetings for family and friends, and a women-only support group. Alongside these meetings, we run three active community group chats with around 450 members in total – a supportive network of people committed to change and to helping others do the same.
“K.E.S. has been operating for around 11 months, during which time we have spoken to and supported thousands of people. Our aim for the year ahead is to strengthen our prevention work while expanding our impact in community-based intervention. We are currently developing a new programme that will be launched in the coming months, designed to make a meaningful and lasting difference within the community.”
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner added: “My Community Fund provides different ways for local projects that strive to make their areas safer to access funding, deliver new schemes, test out ideas and expand on existing work – all using cash seized from criminals.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Member of Parliament Fund is open to MPs to apply on behalf of their communities, ensuring investment is shaped by local priorities and delivered in partnership. Ketamine Education Services is one of a number of projects now being supported through this approach, focused on tackling the impact of drugs at its root and providing the kind of early support that keeps communities safer for the long term.