Blackburn and Darwen Schools Warned About ‘County Lines’ Risks

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The increasing awareness of the criminal networks that seek to exploit vulnerable teenagers has prompted a national initiative aimed at educating young people about the dangers associated with gang activity. Known as *No More County Lines: Ridding the Streets of Exploitation*, this program is spearheaded by The Message Trust and focuses on reaching youths aged 11 to 18. The initiative has made its way through secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, delivering vital lessons on how to combat crime and ensuring that students feel safe within their communities.

The program is structured to be both engaging and informative. Utilizing a blend of music, presentations from experienced school bands, animations, videos, and direct talks from local police officers, the initiative aims to captivate students and encourage meaningful conversations about the risks posed by county lines. This criminal activity is characterized by gang-related violence, drug dealing, and the exploitation of young people, and it has devastating effects not only on the individuals involved but also on local communities. By raising awareness of these dangers, the program hopes to empower young people to recognize the signs of exploitation and make informed choices.

Schools in Blackburn with Darwen participating in the tour include prominent institutions such as St. Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy, Pleckgate High School, St. Bede’s Roman Catholic High School, Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS), Eden School, Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, Witton Park Academy, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (QEGS), Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, and Our Lady and St John Roman Catholic High School. Each of these schools plays a crucial role in disseminating information about the county lines phenomenon, creating a network of informed students who can share knowledge and support one another.

Funded by the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime, the tour draws inspiration from The Message Trust’s previous successful initiative, *No More Knives*. This earlier program addressed the dangers of knife crime and provided young people with the tools they needed to avoid such pitfalls. The success of that initiative paved the way for the current tour, which seeks to tackle a different but equally pressing issue: the exploitation of young people by criminal gangs.

Cllr Julie Gunn, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s education lead, expressed her support for the tour during a session at Pleckgate High School. She highlighted the importance of educating young people about the dangers of exploitation and gang culture, noting that the presentation is designed to resonate with students in a powerful way. The inclusion of video stories featuring individuals who have experienced the harsh realities of drugs and violence, yet managed to find a way out, serves as a source of inspiration. These narratives provide hope and emphasize that even in the darkest situations, there is a possibility for redemption and a path toward a better future.

Cllr Gunn stated, “The tour is a great way of teaching our young people the dangers of exploitation and gang culture. It’s presented in such an engaging way, and the video stories of people who have been exposed to drugs and violence and found a way out are inspiring. This is the message we want our young people to be aware of.”

The overarching goal of the *No More County Lines* tour is to equip and empower young people to make positive choices. Cllr Gunn emphasized that even if they find themselves in difficult situations, there is always hope and a way out, provided they reach out and communicate with someone who can help. This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the initiative: fostering open dialogue and creating safe spaces for young people to discuss their challenges and seek support.

As the tour continues to visit schools across Blackburn with Darwen, its impact is likely to be profound. By educating young people about the realities of county lines and the strategies that can be employed to avoid falling into the trap of gang culture, the program aims to build a more informed and resilient generation. With the backing of local authorities, educators, and the community, initiatives like *No More County Lines* play a vital role in the ongoing effort to combat crime and protect the most vulnerable members of society.

In conclusion, the *No More County Lines* initiative stands as a critical educational effort, addressing the pressing issues of gang exploitation and drug-related violence among young people. By engaging students in a dynamic and relatable manner, the program not only raises awareness but also fosters a culture of openness and support. As Blackburn with Darwen schools continue to participate in this vital tour, the hope is that more young people will be empowered to make positive choices and seek help when faced with difficult circumstances. The fight against county lines is not just about preventing crime; it’s about ensuring that young people have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate their lives safely and successfully.