Making Space join MP at Ketamine Awareness Day in St Helens

Published 25 February 2026

Making Space was proud to support St Helens The Best Me CIC at the recent Ketamine Awareness Day, held in St Helens and opened by local MP, David Baines.

The event brought together families, professionals and community organisations to highlight the growing impact of ketamine misuse, not only in St Helens, but in communities across the country. In his opening address, David Baines MP spoke about the urgent need to raise awareness, tackle stigma and ensure families can access the right support at the right time.

Representing Making Space at the event was Tony Murphy, Support Worker with our St Helens Family Support service, alongside our dedicated volunteer, Pat. Throughout the afternoon, they spoke with families and loved ones about the emotional toll substance misuse can take, and the practical help available. We work closely with local partners including YPDAAT (Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team), which supports young people and their families in St Helens, and CGL (Change, Grow, Live), the local adult drug and alcohol service, ensuring a joined-up approach so families can access the right support at every stage of their journey.

Open to the public, the event featured information stalls, workshops, discussions with healthcare professionals and powerful personal testimonies, including from Natalie of West Lancs Ketamine Awareness, who shared her lived experience with honesty and courage. The day shone a light not only on the challenges families face, but also on the strength of partnership working across the borough.

Our St Helens Family Support service provides specialist support to people aged 18 and over who are impacted by a loved one’s substance use, whether or not that person is accessing treatment. The service offers:

Recognising the sharp rise in ketamine misuse locally, Tony has led the development of the first Ketamine Family Support Group in St Helens – creating a safe, stigma-free space where families can share experiences, build resilience and feel less alone. Tony works closely with local partners including Drug and Alcohol Support for Young People, commissioners and health teams to ensure families receive joined-up, responsive support.

Reflecting on the day, Tony said:

Ketamine misuse is having a real and lasting impact on families here in St Helens. Too often, loved ones feel isolated, worried and unsure where to turn. Events like this are vital because they bring people together – families, professionals and community organisations – to have honest conversations and show that support is available.

We’re incredibly grateful to Shana Begum and her volunteers at St Helens the Best Me CIC for organising this event and creating a space where the community can come together, learn from one another and access the right support.

At St Helens Family Support, we make sure families are not forgotten. Whether it’s one-to-one support, counselling, group sessions or simply being listened to without judgement, we’re here to help people rebuild confidence, resilience and hope.

The event was very well received, highlighting both the serious concerns facing families and the positive, collaborative approach local agencies are taking to tackle the issue together. Making Space remains committed to supporting families affected by substance misuse and to working alongside partners to build safer, more compassionate communities.