The premiere of ‘K-Hole’ coincides with the launch of the Hull Ketamine Support Pathway which will improve how people experiencing ketamine-related harm are identified, supported and connected with appropriate support
A documentary highlighting damage being wrought by ketamine use is being launched alongside a new effort to alleviate its impact in Hull. ‘K-Hole’ is being premiered at Odeon Luxe Hull on Friday (September 4) and is packed with powerful testimony of those with first hand experience of ketamine dependency and recovery.
The 45-minute piece is the work of director Kevin Curran of not-for-profit social enterprise Inspired Youth, which specialises in films and campaigns about social issues. Kevin – who has more than two decades’ filmmaking experience – was commissioned by ReNew, Hull’s commissioned drug and alcohol service, delivered by Change Grow Live.
“This is about the damage that ketamine is doing to our next generation – the young people that are getting right into it,” said Kevin. It’s about really highlighting what people have lived and what’s in store if you take those risks.”
Presenter, Matthew Butler – of the Believe in People podcast – takes viewers to meet users, families, clinicians and experts as the film explores how, despite being perceived as a low-risk recreational drug, for some it can hold serious consequences. It touches on the physical and mental impacts, as well as the harms to relationships.
Kevin hopes K-Hole can be used as an educational tool for professionals and brought to a youth audience through shorter social clips. And it is hoped users will be helped to recognise potential harm and seek support earlier.
Kevin added: “For somebody to want to bare their soul on camera, as Finley and Amber do in the film, is absolutely remarkable. It turns tragedy into power and purpose and hopefully prevent a family going through the loss of a child.”
The film’s launch coincides with the introduction of the Hull Ketamine Support Pathway which has been set up to improve how people experiencing ketamine-related harm are identified, supported and connected with appropriate treatment and healthcare. Someone experiencing problems may encounter GPs, emergency departments, urology, mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, social care and other services – sometimes repeatedly.
ReNew said: “Between January 2025 and August 2026, 133 people were referred into the service where ketamine was disclosed as their first, second or third drug of choice. This represents an average of around six to eight referrals per month, with 72% of referrals involving males and 28% females.
“The figures demonstrate a sustained level of ketamine-related need presenting to local treatment services and reinforce the importance of timely access to appropriate treatment, harm reduction and support.”
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