Mothers issue drug awareness warning after sons' deaths

Two mothers who each lost a son to illegal drugs are speaking out to raise awareness, and government figures show a 13% rise in children aged 17 and under in treatment for substance misuse.

Two mothers from southern England are publicly urging greater awareness of the risks of illegal drugs after each losing a son. Nicci Parish of Worthing set up the organisation Billy and Beyond and has delivered workshops and talks in schools and colleges. Michelle Fraser, from Deal, has also spoken about her experience after the death of her son and works to warn others. Government figures and initiatives have brought the issue into public discussion. Key facts: - Nicci Parish lost her son Billy and has spent the past year delivering talks and workshops under the name Billy and Beyond to students in East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey. - Michelle Fraser's 18-year-old son Robert died in 2016 after taking fentanyl; she has spoken about the ease of online access and seeks to raise awareness among families. - Official data show 16,212 children aged 17 and under were in alcohol and drug treatment between April 2024 and March 2025, a 13% increase from the previous year. - The government has launched an online campaign aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds and said treatment and recovery funding will be channelled through the Public Health grant by 2026, with £3.4bn ringfenced across three years. Summary: Families and officials are drawing attention to rising numbers of young people in treatment and to particular concerns about certain drugs. In January 2025 the government sought expert advice on ketamine classification, and ministers have announced funding and an online public awareness campaign as part of the response.