Transforming Perspectives: A New Strategy to Tackle County Lines Through Public Health Approach and Understanding

This week marks the launch of With You's #CountyLinesWeek, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of this very real issue. As Service Manager and Safeguarding Lead at WithYou Shropshire, this is a cause that’s close to my heart. With two decades of experience in the drug and alcohol sector, my career has been centred on providing non-judgemental support to young people and vulnerable adults exploited by County Lines activity. The recent honour of receiving an MBE for my contributions to tackling child criminal exploitation has only further inspired me, and strengthened my commitment to continue the crucial work that I’ve been recognised for.?

What are County Lines?

The NSPCC defines County Lines as a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks that export illegal drugs into one or more importing areas [within the UK], using dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of “deal line”. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move [and store] the drugs and money, and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons to do so. The ‘County Line’ itself is the mobile phone line used to take orders of drugs. In other words, it is clear that County Lines is exploitation.?

My team work alongside schools, social workers, mental health services and the police to support people manipulated through these activities. A person-centred approach is something that is embedded within our practice. As the Exploitation Lead for With You, I know I am not alone when I say many colleagues have this passion and desire to support both child and adult victims.

Our Research

The exploitation of children and adults via County Lines drug gangs is an immediate safeguarding concern, and at With You, this is something we take exceptionally seriously. County Lines can impact any child. Not being able to recognise the signs of exploitation only hinders the ability of support services and parents or carers to intervene effectively before it’s too late.??

In 2020, my team at WithYou Shropshire conducted research into the characteristic profile of those vulnerable to CCE (Child Criminal Exploitation) in the previously unexplored rural County of Shropshire. We aimed to reconcile key gaps in the research and provide a deeper understanding of the perspectives of parents whose children are involved in CCE. By doing so, some clear themes and challenges emerged.?

The report found that although perceptions are altering, as these children mature and grow into adulthood, the young people we support are often still criminalised and perceived as having ‘made a choice’. The problem becomes even more apparent with the transition from age 17 to 18 and beyond, with the young person commonly being viewed as a perpetrator, leading to potential imprisonment and thus deeper embedment into CCE and offending.?

The report also highlighted the role of drug use in exploitation, in particular, cannabis. As a drug, alcohol and mental health charity, we understand the impact of drug and alcohol use in grooming and inducting young people. The provision of ‘free’ cannabis in Shropshire was identified as the primary substance of use. Drugs such as cannabis are used to develop relationships, encourage debt bondage and desensitise vulnerable individuals to drug selling with fewer penalties than Class A drugs. And once involved in CCE, it was identified that young people were using cannabis as a means of coping.

As a collective, we need to do more to educate and recognise exploitation to ensure that intervention and support are offered before punishment becomes the default response. The risk of child and vulnerable adult exploitation is at an all-time high. Our report demonstrates that we have to be more vigilant, enticements extend beyond the prospect of money, material possessions, or the allure of a seemingly exciting lifestyle. Drug and alcohol use are a common and dangerous lure too.??

The next steps

What’s needed now is a shift in mindset and a whole-community approach. With You’s #CountyLinesWeek is the first of many stepping stones towards transforming the nationwide attitude. At the core of bringing about effective change is understanding. Our social media campaign centres around promoting wider recognition through understanding and reframing perceptions of individuals involved as victims, rather than criminals. If we can prioritise early recognition and prevention, we can create a safer environment where young people receive the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.?

With You understands the need to increase awareness closer to home. In my experience, parents and carers tell me they wished they’d known more about County Lines so they could have better supported their child. Without understanding the signs of exploitation, they can’t take action. With You’s social media campaign is just one way of educating multiple individuals and opening up the conversation around County Lines. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting those with drug, alcohol and mental health challenges, which includes those exploited by the County Lines model.??

Keep an eye out for With You’s social media posts this week to better your understanding and learn all about County Lines, its victims, and the signs of exploitation. The more you know, the more we can help. Exploitation of children and vulnerable adults via County Lines is real, and it is happening right now. Help us to call for a new Public Health approach and transform these mindsets.