Maybe you've noticed changes in their behaviour, discovered something concerning in their bedroom, or simply have a gut feeling that something isn't right, it can be difficult knowing what to do next. One drug that we at Unity are seeing used more among young people in Norfolk is ketamine. Young people sometimes call it different things like "Ket" or "Special K". It’s an anaesthetic that is legally used in medicine but can be bought illegally and misused recreationally. While some young people see it as a "party drug" or believe it is less dangerous than other substances, that’s not true. Recognising the Signs Ketamine affects the brain and body in ways that can sometimes be mistaken for tiredness, stress, or typical teenage behaviour. However, when several signs appear together, it might be worth exploring further. You may notice your young person becoming withdrawn, spending more time alone, or more secretive about where they are going and who they are with. There may be a sudden change in friendship groups, a loss of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed, or a decline in school attendance and performance. Physically, a young person who has just used or is using ketamine may appear drowsy, unsteady on their feet, confused, or disconnected from what is going on around them. Their speech may become slurred, and they might seem forgetful or struggle to concentrate. Some young people experience frequent nausea, dizziness, or unexplained falls and accidents. One of the most concerning signs of regular ketamine use is the development of bladder problems (but only for around 30% of regular users). Frequent trips to the toilet, urgency, pain when urinating, lower abdominal pain, or blood in the urine should not be ignored. Ketamine can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder, even in children and young people. You may feel that you are overthinking things or that a behaviour is "just a phase", sometimes that is true, however, if something feels wrong, it is worth exploring. You may discover that the changes you’ve noticed are linked to something unrelated to drugs and alcohol or to a different drug, either way it’s still positive to explore them with your young person. You know your young person better than anyone else, early conversations and support can make a significant difference, helping them avoid serious health consequences and get back on track before problems become more entrenched. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of failure as a parent. It is one of the most important things you can do to protect your young person. What If You Find Something? Finding a bag of white powder, unexplained paraphernalia, or messages suggesting drug use can trigger a strong emotional reaction. Most carers / parents experience a mix of fear, anger, sadness, and confusion. Try to take some time to think and not react in the heat of the moment, it can make it harder for your young person to be honest with you, if they feel judged or attacked, they may become more secretive. Later create an opportunity for a calm conversation, let them know what you have noticed and why you are worried, focus on their wellbeing rather than the behaviour itself. The aim is not to catch them out but to understand what is happening in their life. A question such as, "I've noticed you've seemed different recently and I'm worried about you, can we talk about what's been going on?" is more effective than an accusation. Why might a young person may use Ketamine? Drug use is sometimes just about experimentation; some young people use ketamine because of peer pressure or curiosity. Others may be trying to cope with anxiety, low mood, trauma, bullying, loneliness, family difficulties, or struggles at school. Understanding the reasons behind the behaviour is just as important as the drug use itself. The earlier issues are identified, the better the chances of helping a young person make positive changes. When Should I Seek Help? If your young person is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe confusion, or is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. For non-emergency concerns you can contact us. Waiting and hoping the problem will go away can sometimes allow occasional use to develop into a more significant issue. At Unity we focus on non-judgemental support to reduce harm. We can support your young person and you even if your young person doesn’t want help at the moment. If you're concerned that your young person may be using ketamine, start with a conversation, seek advice early, and remember that support from Unity is available throughout Norfolk for both young people and their carers / parents.

Supporting children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use Over the summer, our YouCan team has been busy providing safe, positive and memorable experiences for 14 children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use. YouCan offers one-to-one support and group activities where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, try new things and connect with others who may have similar experiences. Fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes We started the summer with a brilliant morning of fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes. Everyone managed to catch lots of fish and even our staff couldn’t resist having a go! A huge thank you to UK Fishing School for helping to make the day so special. Their team were patient, supportive and fantastic at helping everyone feel comfortable and confident. Learning lifesaving skills Our second activity focused on practical first aid and lifesaving skills. Young people learned how to respond in an emergency and built their confidence in knowing what to do when someone needs help. Learning these skills can help young people feel more prepared and confident if an emergency happens at home or out in the community. Own a Pony Day at Squirrel Wood Equestrian Centre We enjoyed a magical Own a Pony Day at Squirrel Wood Equestrian Centre. The group learned what it takes to care for a pony, including grooming, feeding, tacking up, mucking out and riding through the woodland. For some of the young people, this was a once in a lifetime experience, and we love being able to create opportunities and memories like this. Laser Quest The summer also included a trip to Laser Quest, with young people travelling together by minibus to Bury St Edmunds. It was a great opportunity to have fun, spend time together and enjoy something a little different! Art workshop We also held an art workshop, giving young people the chance to get creative and express themselves through art. They created artwork to display at our centre, helping to make the space feel personal and welcoming for the young people who use it. Outdoor adventure at Eaton Vale We headed to Eaton Vale Scout and Guide Activity Centre for an action packed day of outdoor activities. The group took part in an assault course, raft building, climbing and archery, with plenty of encouragement and support from the instructors. With the sun shining, everyone especially enjoyed cooling off in the water while raft building! Pottery painting at Honeypots Studio Our young people also got creative during a pottery painting trip to Honeypots Studio. Everyone created some amazing designs, and we can’t wait to see the finished pieces once they have been glazed! Finishing the summer with an escape room challenge We finished the summer programme with an escape room challenge at Escape Hunt. It was a fun way for young people to work together, communicate, solve problems and put their teamwork skills to the test. We’re proud to say that both groups managed to escape within an hour! Why YouCan support matters Growing up with a family member’s substance use can affect a young person’s confidence, wellbeing and sense of stability. Having somewhere safe to talk, feel listened to and spend time with others who may understand their experiences can make a real difference. YouCan provides children and young people with access to one-to-one support, group activities and advisory groups, where young people can share their views and help shape the service. Through these opportunities, YouCan helps young people feel heard, build confidence, develop positive coping strategies and recognise that they are not alone in their experiences. Our summer activities are just one part of the wider support available through YouCan for children and young people affected by substance use in their family. Get support from YouCan If you or someone you know could benefit from YouCan support, please get in touch with our team.

July was another fantastic month for our On Track service as we continued supporting young people aged 13 - 24 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) across Norfolk. SafeSPACE Decoupage Workshop On 1st July, eight young people attended a creative decoupage workshop in Norwich. This was the second session, with the first introducing the group to the craft and the second providing an opportunity to work on larger projects. A huge thank you to Rosie for facilitating such an engaging and creative workshop. King's Lynn Volunteering Day at RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre On 7th July, six young people from our King's Lynn & West Norfolk Personal Development Programme took part in a rewarding volunteering day at the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre. The group worked incredibly hard throughout the day, painting sheds and helping install new fencing for the deer enclosure. As a reward for their efforts, they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the centre and even had the opportunity to feed the seals. We would like to thank all the young people who participated for their enthusiasm and commitment, as well as the amazing team at RSPCA East Winch for making us feel so welcome. Experiences like this help young people develop teamwork, responsibility and practical skills while exploring future volunteering and employment opportunities. Norwich Allotments On 8th July, six young people from our SafeSPACE group spent the day at the Matthew Project allotments. Together they helped to build a wildlife pond, planted sweetcorn, completed weeding tasks and harvested fresh produce including onions and radishes. They even had the chance to pick and taste fresh broad beans straight from the allotment. Laser Tag Our SafeSPACE group headed to Quasar Norwich on 15th July for an afternoon of laser tag. Eight young people took part, developing teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while having plenty of fun. We'd like to thank the team at Quasar for making everybody feel welcome and ensuring the day was enjoyable for all involved. Bringing Groups Together at Pleasure Beach On 21st July, young people from our Norwich and Great Yarmouth groups came together for a brilliant day at Pleasure Beach. The group enjoyed the rides, spent time socialising and finished the day with chips for lunch. Bringing young people together from different locations helps build friendships, reduce isolation and create positive shared experiences. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. Celebrating Stories of Strength On 22nd July, members of our SafeSPACE group visited the Stories of Strength exhibition at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. During the visit, young people helped install QR codes, making it easier for visitors to access and engage with the inspiring stories on display. We are incredibly proud of every young person who shared their experiences and contributed to such a meaningful project. You can read the stories here Tackling Imposter Syndrome Later on 22nd July, we delivered the fourth Norwich Personal Development Programme session for the SafeSPACE group, focusing on imposter syndrome. The group explored what imposter syndrome is, how it can affect confidence, and practical strategies for challenging negative thought patterns. Young people designed their own "Imposter Monster", took part in a game of Imposter Pong and discussed ways to recognise their achievements and strengths. The session created a safe space for honest conversations, reflection and encouragement, helping young people develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. Building Employability Skills in King's Lynn On 28th July, our King's Lynn & West Norfolk Personal Development Programme continued with Session Five at The Walks. Seven young people enjoyed an afternoon of team games and problem-solving challenges in the sunshine. It was fantastic to see everyone encouraging one another, working together and strengthening their teamwork skills. Developing employability skills such as communication, collaboration and resilience is a key part of helping young people move towards education, training and employment opportunities. Sea Life Centre On 29th July, our SafeSPACE group joined the Great Yarmouth group for a fun-filled day out at the Sea Life Centre. After, everyone headed to the beach to take part in the Summer Social activities, where they enjoyed building sandcastles and spending time together in the sunshine. Sweet Briar Marshes The following day, on 30 July, the safeSPACE group visited Sweet Briar Marshes for a habitat trail. We were taken on a guided tour, learning about the different habitats found within the nature reserve and the wildlife that calls them home. One of the highlights was discovering how to tell the difference between a damselfly and a dragonfly. If you or someone you know could benefit from support from On Track, find out more here

Resources to help inform you and keep you safe around drug and alcohol use. Resources Substances Information Click the buttons below to learn more about different substances. Click Here Ketamine Cannabis MDMA Alcohol Cocaine Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Assembly Video The assembly video explores common myths around alcohol and cannabis, and shares information about our services for under-19s in Norfolk who are affected by substance use, whether their own or that of a family member. You can view the video below: Assembly Video_V0.4 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Other support for young people in Norfolk If you’re looking for additional support, FYI Norfolk is a trusted self-care website for young people aged 11–24 across Norfolk and Waveney. It offers clear, reliable information and advice on a wide range of health and wellbeing topics, helping you find the support that’s right for you. FYI Norfolk

The Matthew Project is a Norfolk charity offering free, confidential support for young people dealing with issues around drugs, alcohol, or family substance use. Our services include YouCan (help for under-19s affected by a family member’s substance use), Unity (support for under-19s impacted by personal or others' substance use), and On Track (guidance for 13-24s facing barriers to education or employment). Supporting Young People Across Norfolk Find the right support for you Our Young People Services Take a look at our three services and see which one could help you. Read More YouCan If you’re worried about a family member or relative using drugs or alcohol, use the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Aged under 19 Living in Norfolk Impacted by family/relative drug/alcohol use Read More Unity If you're worried that your own drug or alcohol use is having a significant impact on you or others, click the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Aged under 19 Living in Norfolk Wanting to stop or reduce their drug or alcohol use Read More On Track If you’re facing barriers that make it difficult to find or stay in education or employment, use the button below to see how we can help. This service is for: Aged 13–24 Living in Norfolk At risk of, or not currently in, education or employment Accessibility We’re here to make every young person feel welcome and supported. Whether you meet us in person or online, we aim to make accessing our services straightforward. Click the button below to find out more. Accessibility Support What's New Our latest news, events, and updates. New Substance Info Pages for Young People The Flourish Survey 2024 revealed a statistic that almost 1 in 5 young people in Norfolk said they have no one or nowhere to get information about alcohol use. At The Matthew Project, we wanted to help change that. With the input of young people, we’ve developed five brand-new substance information pages on our website designed specifically for young people who want clear, honest, and reliable information. These pages cover: Real stories from young people we support Har Worried Your Young Person Might Be Using Ketamine? What Parents and Carers Need to Know Maybe you've noticed changes in their behaviour, discovered something concerning in their bedroom, or simply have a gut feeling that something isn't right, it can be difficult knowing what to do next. One drug that we at Unity are seeing used more among young people in Norfolk is ketamine. Young people sometimes call it different things like "Ket" or "Special K". It’s an anaesthetic that is legally used in medicine but can be bought illegally and misused recreationally. While YouCan Summer Activities Supporting children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use Over the summer, our YouCan team has been busy providing safe, positive and memorable experiences for 14 children and young people affected by a family member’s substance use. YouCan offers one-to-one support and group activities where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, try new things and connect with others who may have similar experiences. Fishing at Shallowbrook Lakes We st On Track's July Highlights: Supporting Young People Across Norfolk July was another fantastic month for our On Track service as we continued supporting young people aged 13 - 24 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) across Norfolk. SafeSPACE Decoupage Workshop On 1st July, eight young people attended a creative decoupage workshop in Norwich. This was the second session, with the first introducing the group to the craft and the second providing an opportunity to work on larger projects. A huge thank you to Rosie fo 1 2 3 4 5 Drug & Alcohol Info Find out more about five substances - Ketamine, Alcohol, Cocaine, Cannabis and MDMA. Our information pages cover their effects, potential risks and things you might want to know. Click on one of the stickers below to visit the relevant webpage and find out more. Want one of our stickers? Get in touch and we’ll send one your way! Your Stories Read real stories from young people like you. YouCan Service "The Matthew Project and all of the workers there have helped me over the years so much and i wouldn't have been able to cope with certain situations without their support. I have always felt comfortable and listened to." "They listen and give you good feedback and don't try to pretend that things are ok but actually have a human conversation and you feel like you're actually being listened to." "I feel like i understand how it affects me. She made me realise how well I can cope with it and if needed I can message her. Now I feel comfortable with talking to my dad about his alcohol abuse knowing my worker has comforted me with it and given me advice on how to deal with the affect it has on me." Have Your Say Your thoughts and ideas help us make our services better and easier to access for young people. Click the button below to find out more about the different ways you can have your say. Have Your Say Social Media Take a look at what we’ve been up to over on our Instagram page! Load more

See frequently asked questions about our service and what we do. Frequently Asked Questions Frequently asked questions 01 How do I get support for someone I know/myself? Anyone can get in touch with us to make a referral. This could be a parent, carer or professional or you. If you want to refer yourself or someone you know, you can do this by going to our contact us page to chat with a member of the team in the most accessible way for you. 02 What happens when I get referred? We will contact you, or the person referring you and arrange to come and meet, in a place you feel comfortable. 03 What happens if I change my mind? Just let us, or the person who referred you know. Our support is totally voluntary. We understand that people change their minds. You are always welcome to come back. 04 Will you tell other people what I have said? We offer a confidential service. Confidentiality means us not telling anyone else about the things you tell us, we will talk to you about who you are comfortable with us talking to. Sometimes your parents, carers or teachers may be aware that you have been referred to us, particularly if you chose to see us at your school or home, this does not mean we will tell them everything that you tell us, we will discuss this with you and agree what information YOU feel comfortable sharing. If there’s a risk of very serious harm to you, or someone else, we may need to share some of what you have told us, we will try and talk to you and let you know what might happen next. 05 Will you tell me to stop using drugs/alcohol? No we understand this is your choice and people use substances for a variety of reasons. We are not here to judge you, or tell you what to do, we will support you to decide what you want from the support. 06 Do you have to tell my parents that I am working with you? If you are over 13 and we feel you understand what it means to get support from us, we do not need to tell your parents that we are supporting you. If you are under 13, we do need to get consent from your parent or carer to be able to offer you support. This doesn’t mean we will tell them what we talk about with you. 07 Will I get into trouble? We will not share the information you tell us unless we are extremely worried for your safety, our aim would be to keep you safe not for you to get into trouble. 08 How long can you work with people? For the YouCan and Unity service. Our support is not time limited we can continue to support you for as long as you feel you need the support. We can see you weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on what works best for you. For On Track, there are sometimes time limits depending on the service. Contact On Track's for more details. 09 Is there a waiting list? We do have at times a waiting list but we will be in contact within 2 weeks and will always keep you updated of when a meeting will be booked. 10 Can I see you in school? Yes we can come and meet you in a place you feel comfortable this could be at home, school, college, wherever you feel comfortable. 11 Can I talk to you about other stuff? Yes we understand that drug or alcohol issues can be one of the issues you are facing, we will complete an assessment with you that will look at what other support may be useful, this could include mental and physical health, housing, education and relationship advice. 12 Will there be a change in worker? We try not to change your worker, we know it can be difficult when one of our workers leave, if we have to change you to a new worker, we will ask you what kind of person you would feel most comfortable with and try and match you with one of our workers. 13 Can I bring someone with me? Yes we understand it can be a big step meeting someone new. 14 My parents/carers don't drive, how do I get to you? We come to you! We can meet you in a location you feel comfortable such as school and for our holiday activities we can arrange transport so you can attend. 15 What if I don’t know what to say? That’s completely okay. You don’t need to prepare anything before contacting us. Just tell us what’s been happening and what you’re worried about, and we can take it from there.