Kenward Trust

20/01/2026

Vital message from Kenward Trust: Ketamine use among young people is rising fast!

Medway has seen one of the largest increases in children needing drug or alcohol treatment in the country and ketamine misuse is a growing concern. Kenward Trust’s Think Differently programme is working in schools across Kent and Medway to help young people understand the real risks, from long-term health harm to addiction.

Saul, 29, shared his powerful journey from starting ketamine at 13 to finding recovery and now speaking to schools and communities so others don’t go down the same path.

Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust, said it should be a wake-up call for families, schools and communities to have open, informed conversations about drug risks and how to spot the signs early.

Watch the full news coverage here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=iURe12STrJ2ZXJWE&v=Llr5LFFs4f4&feature=youtu.be

Volunteers begin clear up of 'chip wreck' on South coast.Kent's ketamine crisis: A charity warns of a rise in use, especially in Medway.Thanet taxi drivers s...

20/01/2026

Ketamine use is rising and the impact can be devastating.

Around a third of our residents are overcoming addiction to ketamine, many of them under the age of 30.

Often misunderstood as a “safer” drug, ketamine can cause serious physical harm, psychological dependence and long-term damage to wellbeing.

At Kenward Trust, we see the reality every day and we provide specialist support to help people rebuild their lives.

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk

19/01/2026

Dry January is more than giving something up, for some, it’s the beginning of getting life back.

“My experience at Kenward changed my life… I was broken when I first walked through your doors. Now I live with positivity, hope, love and purpose.”

In the last three years, Rebekah has rebuilt her life through recovery, training to become a counsellor, finding contentment and being fully present for her two daughters. Her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t about shame or stigma, it’s about healing, support and second chances.

During Dry January, we stand with everyone questioning their relationship with alcohol and with those taking the brave first steps towards change. You are not alone and recovery is possible.

If you or someone you love needs support, or if you’d like to help us continue transforming lives:
https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/admissions

15/01/2026

What if one evening of celebration could help change young lives for the better?

On 7th March 2026, join us at the Mercure Hotel Great Danes Maidstone for a truly special night. Enjoy a glittering evening of music, dancing and a delicious two-course meal, all while helping to raise vital funds for our Think Differently educational programme.

This is more than a night out. It’s a chance to come together as a community and support education, prevention and brighter futures for young people.

Buy your tickets today and be part of something meaningful.

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/charityball

14/01/2026

If you’re taking part in Dry January, week two can be one of the toughest. The novelty has worn off, routines are being tested and questions can start to creep in.

This video is a gentle reminder that choosing not to drink, even for a month, can open the door to clearer thinking, better wellbeing and a new perspective on your relationship with alcohol.

At Kenward Trust, we support people every day who are exploring life beyond alcohol. Whether you’re doing Dry January, supporting a loved one, or thinking more deeply about change, you’re not alone.

Keep going. Reflect. And remember, small choices can lead to powerful change.

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/news/dry-january-2026

13/01/2026

This morning on BBC Radio Kent, two mothers shared the devastating loss of their sons to drugs, turning personal tragedy into a call for action to prevent further deaths.

They are backing a new government campaign warning about the growing dangers of ketamine and v**es laced with spice, as new figures show a rise in under-18s accessing substance misuse services.

Speaking on the programme, Mark Holmes from Kenward Trust described a sharp increase in young people affected by ketamine, warning of life-changing and lifelong consequences. Over half of Kenward Trust’s young residents are now impacted, with accessibility through apps and social media driving the rise.

The message from parents and professionals alike was clear:
Start the conversation. You don’t need all the answers, just be willing to talk, listen and learn together.

Listen here, scroll to 8.45am.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002pgbb

All you need for the day ahead, Kent's news and great music at breakfast with Dom.

13/01/2026

ITV Ketamine Documentary Highlights Urgent Need for Drug Education in Schools.

These figures are heartbreaking and reflect what we are seeing across Kent and Medway.

At Kenward Trust, our Think Differently schools programme focuses on early education and prevention, reaching young people before substance use leads to treatment, suspension or exclusion. The fact that primary-age children are now affected shows just how urgent this work is.

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/news/education-in-schools

The mum of a teenager who died from experimental drug misuse says a rise in under-18s in Kent being treated for addiction problems is 'heartbreaking'.

Kim Webster works with the Kenward Trust to raise awareness in schools following the death of her son Will.

Read more here: kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/it-s-heart-breaking-shock-rise-in-child-drug-treatment-as-335006/

13/01/2026

Dry January looks different for everyone.

• For some, it’s a pause.
• For others, it’s a question.
• And for some, it’s the first step towards something much bigger.

As Josh shares in this video, addiction doesn’t look the same for any two people. What people use, how they use it, and why they turn to it are deeply individual. That’s why recovery can’t be one-size-fits-all.

At Kenward Trust, people are given something many haven’t had for a long time: a safe space. Space to arrive without answers. Space to try, to reflect, to discover what works for them. And if something doesn’t work, there are other paths, other supports, other ways forward.

Dry January can be a moment to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. For some, it’s also the moment they realise they need support.

Recovery starts with that first step into a safe place.

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk

12/01/2026

Every little action can make a big difference!

We’re proud to be part of the @‌coopuk Local Community Fund and right now, your support can help us raise even more!

Kenward Trust will receive £5 for every new Co-op Member who joins through the Co-op App.

Here’s how you can help:
• Download the Co-op App
• Sign up as a Co-op Member
• Choose Kenward Trust as your local cause

Together, we can transform lives affected by addiction and homelessness across Kent.

https://coopapp.onelink.me/ftOk/70jxv34z

09/01/2026

The Kenward Trust “Kenward Will Save Lives” Charity Ball.

• 7th March 2026
• Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

Our upcoming Ball is one of the most important events in our calendar and we still have tables available.

• Specialist residential rehabilitation
• Education and prevention programmes in schools
• Ongoing support for people rebuilding their lives after addiction and homelessness

By attending, you’re not just enjoying an unforgettable evening, you’re helping save lives and transform futures across Kent.

Book your table today and be part of something truly life-changing!

https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/charityball

08/01/2026

Youth va**ng and substance misuse are placing increasing pressure on schools, a challenge highlighted in yesterday’s BBC News report on how educators feel they are fighting a lonely battle against what many describe as a public health emergency.

At Kenward Trust, we are already responding. Our Youth Work Team delivers preventive, early intervention and outreach-focused substance misuse support for young people across Kent and Medway.

Our award-winning Think Differently programme works directly with secondary schools, offering bespoke alcohol and substance education through engaging assemblies and targeted small-group sessions for young people who need additional support. The programme is flexible, tailored to each school and designed to help young people understand what substances, including v**es, do to the body, empowering them to make healthy, informed choices.

Read the BBC News article here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2pj2ez7evo

If your school or community would benefit from this support, we’re here to help.

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Schools say they are spending thousands on v**e detectors as pupils struggle with addiction.

08/01/2026

Ketamine is often misunderstood as a “party drug”, but the reality for many young people is devastating.

An ITV News investigation has given rare insight into the serious physical harm and emotional trauma being experienced by teenagers and young adults affected by ketamine use. These are not distant stories, they are happening now, to families and communities across the UK.

At Kenward Trust, we see first-hand how urgently people need clear education, compassionate support and access to recovery services. When someone feels heard and supported, change becomes possible.

Watch the ITV News report here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=ZJTCTXOG_4cyCtzx&v=o97P9dtvkoQ&feature=youtu.be

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, you don’t have to face it alone.

ITV News' George Hancorn was given exclusive access to a new bespoke NHS ketamine clinic in Liverpool, as part of a brand new documentary, Ketamine: What's N...