We Are With You

17/10/2025

Below are 3 different to links which will lead to ketamine research questionnaires I have put together for a Ketamine research project I am involved in.
I would really appreciate if you could take ten minutes just to fill in the relevant questionnaire. Please read the description next to the link to ensure you are filling in the one that is most relevant to you. This research project is being done with the aim of us providing treatment and support services for people using Ketamine.

Your knowledge and answers will help shape the direction of our campaign to ensure we achieve the best outcomes. Please could we share this to anyone who is willing to fill In the form as the more information gathered the better understanding, we have of what is needed to be done.

This questionnaire is for past or current ketamine users - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PYKMgL5-6c42mxK_Gk-xaD91cX7DoOWomq1ad6BO2Zo/edit


This questionnaire is for professionals who work in the health and care sector - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Z6eHrjemeP2h0yNuMuYb7GcxRglVaSwx8Vb7ZW8BdnE/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=107268017586649715304

This questionnaire is for the wider public and to anyone who doesn’t fit into the criteria for the other two questionnaires - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1af3FTwFIm_iM1lj3GFEbm3ONmsqFv7kQgvAwGbo9-OA/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=107268017586649715304

17/10/2025

Today, the Office for National Statistics has published its annual report on drug-related deaths in England and Wales.

5,565 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in 2024, the highest number since records began in 1993.

Our Chief Executive, Simon Phillips, responds on behalf of WithYou.

“Each drug-related death is a preventable, avoidable tragedy. Behind the numbers are real people, with family and friends grieving their loss. My thoughts are with them today.

“With the rise in synthetic opioids and contaminated drugs, the drug supply is becoming more complex and dangerous. The government must continue to invest in high quality treatment that anyone can access.

“There’s no single quick fix for this complex problem. The government can tackle this public health crisis by concentrating on saving lives now, helping people recover over time, and addressing the root causes for the future. This requires coordinated action. At WithYou we work closely with local partners to ensure treatment is accessible and effective, but systemic change requires continued government investment.

“We urge the government to do more to explore the feasibility of interventions proven to save lives, such as making it easier for drug checking services to operate in local communities, enabling people to assess risks and avoid contaminated substances. Continuing to expand naloxone provision and exploring the introduction of drug consumption rooms could also play an important, practical role in saving lives today. We can’t keep watching people die while proven interventions sit on the shelf.

“We are absolutely committed as an organisation to doing everything we can to reduce these preventable deaths. We know that with the right support, many of the people who died from drug use could still be alive today. The causes of this crisis are complex and long-standing, but these deaths are not inevitable, and we can’t stand by and accept them.

“For anyone who is worried about their drug use, or that of someone close to them, we are here to help. Our webchat, available at wearewithyou.org.uk, offers free, confidential advice from expert recovery workers.“

15/10/2025

Great turnout at our Stoke-on-Trent Community Drug & Alcohol Service Open Day! 🙌

We were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Stoke-on-Trent, along with local partners and residents who came to see our new service space firsthand.

Guests got hands-on with group sessions and life-saving naloxone training, and met the team providing vital support. We're so grateful for the community's continued support and partnership. 💙

12/10/2025

Access to support matters - especially in times of crisis. 🤗

When life feels overwhelming, people are more vulnerable to mental health struggles and harmful substance use. Without the right care, the cycle of distress and dependence can deepen.

What helps?
✔️Safe, non-judgemental spaces to talk
✔️Joined-up mental health & substance use support
✔️ Community, connection, and practical tools

🌟 There are five key things that strengthen recovery in a crisis:
🛡️ Safety: Knowing how to protect your wellbeing
🌿 Calming: Finding healthy ways to cope and alternatives to substances
🤝 Connectedness: Support from others who care
💪 Confidence: Feeling able to make positive choices
✨ Hope: Believing that things can get better and recovery is possible

WithYou is here for you every step of the way - on World Mental Health Day and every day after. Looking for support? Speak to a trained recovery worker via our webchat at wearewithyou.org.uk

10/10/2025

🧠💚 10 October is World Mental Health Day - a day to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that good mental health is possible for all.

But we can’t ignore the powerful link between mental health and substance use, especially in times of crisis. Getting the right support at the right time can help break the cycle, build resilience, and support recovery. 💪

This World Mental Health Day, WithYou is proud to share and celebrate the journeys of those in recovery.

💬 Reach out through our free, confidential webchat at wearewithyou.org.uk, or come see us in service. You're not alone.

08/10/2025

Highland Anywhere is now live!

Scotland's first fully virtual drug and alcohol support service is here, bringing free, confidential help to anyone 16+ across the Highlands.

Whether it's for you or a loved one, connect your way:

📞 Phone
💻 Video call
💬 Text

Our team is available Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, with flexible appointments including evenings and weekends.

Get in touch today 👉 wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/highland

07/10/2025

🧠💬 As World Mental Health Day approaches (Friday, Oct 10), let’s talk about the connection between mental health and substance use.

🔄 It's a two-way street:
✅ Not everyone with a mental health condition uses substances.
✅ Not everyone who uses substances has a mental health condition.
⚖️ But nearly half of people in substance use treatment also live with mental health challenges.

Some turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety, low mood, or trauma, but this can make things worse. Others may develop substance issues first, which can then trigger or intensify mental health struggles.

Emergencies and disasters often impact mental health too. In times of crisis, people often face:
😔 Anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, fatigue
🚨 Increased risk of PTSD, depression, and substance use
➡️Turning to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope
🚫 Barriers to care, just when support is needed most

If you’re looking for support, get in touch with the WithYou team on our webchat at wearewithyou.org.uk
We’re WithYou, every step of the way. 💙

30/09/2025

New research from King's College London found ketamine deaths are now twenty times higher than in 2015 – with deaths increasingly occurring in situations where someone has taken a mix of drugs together.

Kate Blazey, Executive Medical Director for WithYou, responds:

“Ketamine is often used as a party drug and has become more popular in recent years because of how readily available and cheap it has become. We're seeing it increasingly used by older adults, particularly with other drugs.

“In a very short period of time, ketamine can cause permanent damage to the body, including issues like bladder problems, changes in mental health and memory, and damage to the nose, liver and kidneys. Across England, we are working with our partners to support young people - under the age of 25 - who have already lost control of their bladders.

“There isn’t a quick fix for this issue. Since the previous reclassification of ketamine from Class C to Class B in 2014, ketamine use has doubled. However, sharing harm reduction information and ensuring comprehensive government-funded support is available for anyone who wants to reduce or stop their ketamine use, are proven ways we can help to prevent harm.

“Today my thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one. If you’re concerned about someone's drug or alcohol use, or just want to know more, we are here to help. Our webchat, available at wearewithyou.org.uk, offers free, confidential advice from expert recovery workers."

29/09/2025

Great to see our Glasgow colleagues take part in this year's Recovery Walk in Stirling!

26/09/2025

To everyone on the path of recovery, this month we are proud of you.

Recovery isn’t easy. It takes courage to face pain and strength to keep moving forward.

But step by step and day by day, you’re proving how strong you are. Keep believing in yourself.

23/09/2025

Today the National Records of Scotland published its annual report on alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.

During 2024, there were 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland, a decrease of 7% compared with 2023.

Behind every statistic is a person — a daughter, brother, partner, neighbour, or friend. Each with their own story and connections, each leaving a space in the lives of those who loved them. We hold in our thoughts all who experienced loss due to alcohol-related causes in 2024.

Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland, speaks on behalf of WithYou:

“While today’s report shows our treatment and harm reduction approaches are beginning to make a difference, the loss of 1,185 lives in 2024 makes it clear that much more must be done.

“To demonstrate a real commitment to reducing alcohol-specific deaths, we are calling for alcohol care and treatment standards that ensure that people who need support now have a choice of treatment, as well as access to support and harm reduction measures, wherever they are in Scotland.

“We urge the Scottish Government to implement a comprehensive alcohol strategy that properly invests in prevention and to take urgent, ambitious, and far-reaching action to prevent today’s children and young people from becoming figures in a report published 10, 20, or even 30 years from now.

“For me, that means taking a whole-population approach to addressing health inequalities and improving quality of life in our most deprived communities, where you are 4.5 times more likely to die from an alcohol related death. Only by tackling root causes and our attitudes towards alcohol can we really turn the tide to stop Scotland’s harmful relationship with alcohol.

“Today, my thoughts are with all those who we lost to an alcohol-related death, and with their families and friends.

“To anyone who is worried about their drinking or that of a loved one, please get in touch. As well as delivering services in communities, WithYou offers a free and confidential webchat. This is a great first point of contact for anyone who is worried about their alcohol use or that of a loved one. Visit wearewithyou.org.uk today.”

23/09/2025

You’ve just watched your 20th ADHD reel in a row.
Maybe you see yourself.
Maybe you’re wondering if meds would help.
Maybe you’ve already tried something with no prescription.

It’s more common than you think.
People self-medicate for ADHD to cope.
To focus. To feel normal. To survive.

But DIY routes come with risk:
⚠️ Unknown strength
⚠️ Dependency
⚠️ Delayed diagnosis
⚠️ Crashes that hit hard

We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help.

✅ If this speaks to you, speak to your GP, check out adhduk or visit adhduk.co.uk
✅ If you’re using, stay safe. Know the risks. Take breaks.
✅ If you’re not, stay curious but stay safe.

18/09/2025

Some people with undiagnosed or unsupported ADHD are turning to co***ne, not for fun, but to feel “normal.”

Co***ne increases dopamine, which can offer temporary relief from ADHD symptoms.
But it comes with serious risks:
• Compulsive redosing
• Emotional crashes
• Delayed diagnosis
• High risk of dependency

If you’re using coke to cope, you’re not alone.

03/09/2025

Are you affected by someone's substance misuse?
whether they are a family member or friend you are not alone.

The-Comeback in Grimsby provide a monthly support group Affected Others. You will be able to meet others who are in the same situation as yourself so please do come along, this is a private and confidential support group which is facilitated by trained counsellors.

Affected others runs on the first Thursday of each month and will be on 4th September at 6pm -8pm at 8 Abby Walk, Grimsby DN31 1NB

Just a reminder that the monthly Affected Others Group is on tomorrow evening.

The group is on 6pm to 8pm at 8 Abbey Walk, Grimsby. All are welcome 🤗

03/09/2025

There will be a government test emergency alert on the Sunday 7 September 2025.📱

All mobile phones in the UK will be sent an alert around 3pm, they will vibrate and make a loud sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent.
If you have a secret phone hidden from your abuser, it is important to ensure the alerts feature is turned off to keep yourself safe.

💜 If you need support call North East Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Services on 01472 575757 or visit the hub at 15 Wellowgate, Grimsby, DN32 0RA

14/08/2025

HEALTHY HEARTS: Do you know your numbers?

Did you know that untreated high blood pressure and high cholesterol significantly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke? When did you last have your blood pressure or cholesterol checked?
Our community has a high percentage of people living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension.
We also have a high percentage of people
living with undiagnosed high cholesterol and other heart conditions like Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiac Arrhythmia. These are all part of what is called cardiovascular disease.

To support our community to have healthy hearts and reduce our risk of developing cardiovascular disease, we are working with our local NHS to raise awareness of the importance of knowing what your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are and how you
can get tested.
The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked! Many pharmacies offer free quick and easy blood pressure checks for people aged 40 or over.

13/08/2025

We had a brilliant day taking part in the Together for Tomorrow event at Sutcliff Park.

This event was put together by Lincolnshire Housing Partnership and Humberside Police - North East Lincolnshire with the hopes of the community pulling together to help tackle anti-social & crime.

It was fantastic to see all the other services pulling together and showcasing their fantastic work. 💚

28/07/2025

💜 World Hepatitis Day 💜
Today at WithYou in Grimsby and Cleethorpes we have celebrated the day not only sharing information and raising awareness on Hepatitis but we have also been testing people for hepatitis and offering fibroscans.
The Fbroscan is a little like an ultrascan and will allow a medical profession to see the percentage of fat in the liver and also the degree of scar tissue on the liver, this machine plays a powerful pivotal role in helping diagnose and monitor the liver for fibrosis cirrhosis.

We would like to thank all of our staff who took part in this event and most importantly our fabulous Hep C nurses Poppy and Layla 💜

24/07/2025

❤ Healthy Hearts: Do you know your numbers?

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK - and many
people in our community are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
and heart rhythm disorders like Atrial Fibrillation.
In partnership with the NHS, we’re working to raise awareness in our community about the
importance of knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.
✅ Regular health checks
✅ Lifestyle changes
✅ Early diagnosis
These can all reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Not sure how to get tested? You can get checked via your GP, NHS or even your local pharmacy.
Use the NHS Heart Age Calculator:
https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-heart-age
Let’s talk. If there are barriers stopping you from monitoring your heart health, reach out to
us at WithYou in North East Lincolnshire or call us on 01472 806890

22/07/2025

❤ Healthy Hearts: Do you know your numbers?

Untreated high blood pressure and high cholesterol significantly increase your risk of heart attack or stroke - but many people don't even know they have them. In our community, undiagnosed high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and other heart conditions like Atrial Fibrillation are far too common.
We’re working with the NHS to raise awareness and help YOU take control of your heart health.

11/07/2025

We know that people enjoy winding down at the pub after work, it’s ingrained in our culture - but if you’ve decided to cut back on alcohol, that familiar routine can suddenly feel a lot more challenging.
That’s where setting clear boundaries comes in. They’re one of the most powerful tools you have to stay on track with your goals.

🚨 Make people aware - Talk to people about your new relationship with alcohol and why it’s important to you. Helping people to understand can help them respect your boundaries.

🔍 Know your triggers - There may be particular places or people that have encouraged you to drink in the past. Identity these triggers and you can learn how to manage them.

🙅 Be prepared to say no - If you don’t want to, it’s ok to say no.
🤗 Create a support network - It’s important to have a supportive circle around you when things get challenging.

❓ Remember why - When things are tough, go back to the reason why you made this change.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Get in touch with the WithYou in North East Lincs team on 01472 806890 We’re WithYou every step of the way.

09/07/2025

❤ Healthy Hearts: Do you know your numbers?

Untreated high blood pressure and high cholesterol significantly increase your risk of heart attack or stroke - but many people don't even know they have them.

In our community, undiagnosed high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and
other heart conditions like Atrial Fibrillation are far too common.
We’re working with the NHS to raise awareness and help YOU take control of your heart
health.

Find out more from the British Heart Foundation - https://bit.ly/CVD_Prevention25

08/07/2025

Work can be stressful - deadlines, pressures and long hours. A drink after work can feel like a way to switch off and relax after a long day. But what starts as a coping mechanism to relax can quickly have a negative impact on our lives.

👉 Alcohol may offer short-term relief, but it can actually increase anxiety, disrupt your sleep, and make stress harder to manage in the long run.
Instead of helping us cope, it can leave us feeling more tired, less focused, and more emotionally drained the next day. This creates a cycle that’s tough to escape.

This , we're encouraging honest conversations about how we deal with stress and what healthier coping strategies look like, including:
✨ Taking breaks during the workday
🧠 Talking to someone you trust
🏃‍♀️ Getting up and moving your body
😌 Practicing mindfulness
📉 Cutting back on alcohol, even just a little

You're not alone if you're feeling overwhelmed. If you would like to change your relationship with alcohol, we’re WithYou. Get in touch with WithYou in North East Lincs and we can support you, whether that’s cutting down or stopping altogether. Call us on 01472 806890