Last week, we were pleased to welcome representatives from Northumbria Police, who spoke with our Year 8 students about the issue and dangers of County Lines activity in our region.

County Lines refers to gangs and organised criminal networks that export illegal drugs across the UK, often using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines” to run their operations. These groups frequently exploit children and vulnerable adults to transport and store drugs or money, using coercion, intimidation, violence, and even sexual exploitation to maintain control.

The workshops aimed to inform students about how to protect themselves from being targeted or exploited by such networks. Officers also discussed how to recognise the warning signs in others and what to do if they believe a friend or peer may be at risk.

The sessions were a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, promote safety, and empower our students to make informed choices.