Collaboration, Data, and Difference: A Look Back at the ILLY Community’s 2025As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year defined by purposeful collaboration and a collective commitment to supporting society’s most vulnerable. The pace of change across the public health and criminal justice sectors remains relentless, making the effective use of technology and data more critical than ever for the dedicated services working on the front-line. Our aim has been simple: Use data to bring clarity, insight and practical support to the challenges facing services today. Whether through our Commissioner’s Forum, our 19th National User Group, sector briefings or case studies, we have tried to spotlight emerging trends, strengthen understanding and support better outcomes. Each article below reflects real issues facing all services, and the ongoing work to address these challenges are becoming increasingly complex year on year. Thank you to every commissioner, provider, practitioner and partner who has engaged with us, shared their experience and helped shape the direction of our work. Your insight and collaboration are what makes progress possible |
Our Year in ReviewCommissioner’s Forum 2025 – Bridging the Gap: Meeting the Needs of Underserved Groups (10 Nov 2025) |
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The summaries for the Commissioner’s Forum detail the high-level strategic event focused on addressing the challenges faced by the most marginalised client groups. Key themes included:
The forum emphasised the necessity of using innovative, data-driven approaches to ensure integrated care and service access for all complex cohorts. |
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19th Annual National User Group 2025 – From Insight to Innovation (20 Nov 2025) |
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This summary covers the annual National User Group meeting, a key collaborative event. The session focused on reviewing the year’s progress and achievements, showcasing the positive impact of services using ILLY’s tools, and sharing updates from the development and support teams. Crucially, the event was used to introduce new features for v2026 and confirm the continued co-design process, ensuring future technological innovations are directly shaped by client feedback. |
FocusOn: Confronting the Growing Threat of Ketamine Misuse
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This article addresses the significant rise in Ketamine misuse, particularly among young people, driven by its affordability. It details the severe health consequences, including ketamine-induced cystitis (“ketamine bladder”) which can necessitate surgery, and associated mental health issues. The piece stresses the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-agency response and the use of adapted systems to track and analyse Ketamine-related data for targeted interventions. |
Case Study: Catch22’s Frontline Work Against Child Exploitation |
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This case study highlights the essential, outcome-driven work of Catch22 services in tackling complex risks like Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). It focuses on their success in using trauma-informed, bespoke one-to-one support and early intervention strategies to improve safety, empower vulnerable young people, and facilitate positive life changes. |
Webinar – Co-occurring Conditions: Mental Health & Substance Misuse |
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This summary covers the webinar on Co-Occurring Mental Health with Alcohol and Drug Conditions (COMHAD), where the majority of substance misuse clients also have mental health needs.
It advocates for a unified, integrated care model that breaks down the historical separation between services. Key takeaways stressed comprehensive screening, integrated therapies, and collaborative care pathways to manage high-risk factors like self-harm and mortality. |
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FocusOn: Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) |
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This article details Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD), a reversible brain disorder caused by chronic, heavy alcohol use and thiamine deficiency. It clarifies that ARBD is distinct from progressive dementia, and that recovery is possible with cessation and support. The summary outlines the common cognitive symptoms (memory loss, confabulation) and the critical need for appropriate diagnosis and support for affected individuals, typically aged 40-60. |
FocusOn: Addressing the Challenge of Knife Crime
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This piece addresses the critical social and criminal justice challenge of knife crime in the UK. It emphasises the need for an integrated, multi-agency strategy to address underlying causes and intervene during “reachable moments” to divert young people from violence. The article underscores the importance of data in monitoring effectiveness and coordinating efforts across different teams and agencies. |
FocusOn: Generation Vape – From Smoking Cessation to Fashion Accessory
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This article examines the public health challenge posed by the rise of vaping amongst young people, contrasting its intended use for adult smoking cessation with its current appeal to youth. It discusses the health risks (nicotine addiction and lung injury) and the policy implications this trend presents to service providers, highlighting the need for accurate data tracking in this area. |
Looking Ahead to 2026 …
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The progress achieved in 2025 is a testament to the dedication of the sector and the entire ILLY Community. Looking ahead, we are not just providing technology; we are building a secure, future-ready foundation that empowers your service to meet the complex challenges of tomorrow. If you have any questions about our roadmap for 2026, please let our team know. From all of us at ILLY – thank you for your continued partnership, and we wish you a peaceful and positive start to 2026. |
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