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County lines gangs are a serious problem in the UK, exploiting young people to transport and sell drugs. These gangs often target vulnerable teenagers, trapping them through threats, violence, and manipulation. If you know someone who is caught up in county lines, it can be worrying and frustrating, especially if they don't feel they can leave. However, there are ways to help, and your support could be life-changing for them.

This article explains what county lines gangs are, their impact on young people, and how you can safely help someone escape this dangerous situation.

What Are County Lines Gangs?

County lines refers to drug-dealing operations where gangs from big cities expand their activities into smaller towns and rural areas. These gangs use dedicated mobile phone numbers known as "deal lines" to coordinate sales and deliveries.

Young people are often recruited or forced into working for these gangs, transporting drugs and money between locations. Gangs use a variety of methods to control their victims, including:

• Grooming: Offering money, gifts, or protection to build trust.
• Threats and violence: Using fear to stop young people from leaving.
• Debt bondage: Telling victims they owe money and must work to pay it back.
• Cuckooing: Taking over the homes of vulnerable people to use as drug houses.

Once trapped, young people often feel there is no way out. But with the right support, escape is possible.

The Real-Life Impact of County Lines on a Young Person

Lets look at the experience of 15-year-old Jake, who was caught up in a county lines gang.

Jake was struggling at home and feeling isolated at school. An older boy started hanging out with him, buying him food and giving him lifts in expensive cars. Over time, Jake was asked to do small favours, like carrying a package to a friend. Before he realised what was happening, he was being sent miles away from home with drugs and threatened if he refused.

Jakes school noticed he was missing lessons and behaving differently. A teacher reached out, and Jake eventually admitted what was happening. With the help of social workers and the police, he was able to leave the gang and get support to rebuild his life.

Jakes story shows that young people caught in county lines gangs often don't know who to turn to. If you know someone in this situation, you can help.

How Can You Help Someone Caught Up in County Lines?

Helping a friend or someone you know escape a county lines gang is not easy, but there are steps you can take to support them.

1. Look Out for the Signs

Many young people do not openly admit they are involved in county lines. They may feel ashamed, scared, or trapped. Look for warning signs such as:

• Missing school or being away from home for long periods.
• Having unexplained money, expensive clothes, or new possessions.
• Acting anxious, withdrawn, or scared.
• Having multiple mobile phones or receiving constant messages.
• Hanging out with older or unfamiliar people.

If you notice these signs, don't ignore them your friend might need your help.

2. Talk to Them and Offer Support

If you suspect someone is involved in county lines, try to talk to them in a calm and non-judgmental way. They may be reluctant to open up, so be patient.

What you can say:

• "I've noticed you've been acting differently. Are you okay?"
• "I'm worried about you. You can talk to me if somethings wrong."
• "You don't have to deal with this alone there are people who can help."

Even if they don't open up straight away, letting them know you are there for them can make a difference.

3. Encourage Them to Get Help

Many young people in county lines gangs feel there is no way out. However, there are organisations that can help them escape safely.

Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult or professional, such as:

• A teacher or school counsellor.
• A parent or guardian.
• A youth worker or mentor.
• A social worker or local support service.

Sometimes, young people fear they will get into trouble with the police. Reassure them that the police and support workers understand that many victims of county lines are being exploited, not criminals.

4. Report Your Concerns

If you believe someone is at risk, reporting it could save their life. You can report concerns anonymously if you are worried about getting involved.

Ways to report county lines activity:

• Crimestoppers (0800 555 111): An anonymous service where you can report crime.
• Fearless.org: A site where young people can report concerns without giving their name.
• The police (999 in an emergency, 101 for non-urgent concerns).
• Speak to a teacher, social worker, or youth worker.

Even if you only have a small suspicion, reporting it could help authorities protect your friend.

5. Help Them Make a Safe Exit Plan

Leaving a gang is dangerous without proper support. If your friend is thinking about escaping, they will need a plan to stay safe.

Steps for a safe exit:

• Do not confront gang members directly it could put them in danger.
• Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult or professional.
• Help them cut contact with the gang, including changing phone numbers.
• Support them in accessing safe accommodation if needed.
• Ensure they have emotional support to deal with the stress of leaving.

6. Be There for Them

Even after leaving, your friend may feel scared or guilty. They might worry about retaliation from the gang or feel pressure to return. Being a supportive friend can make a huge difference.

Ways to support them:

• Encourage them to focus on positive activities, such as sports or hobbies.
• Remind them that they are not alone and that their life is worth more than gang life.
• Encourage them to get counselling or support to deal with trauma.

Final Thoughts

Helping someone escape county lines is not easy, but it is possible. Your support, whether by listening, reporting concerns, or guiding them to professional help, could be the turning point in their life.

County lines gangs rely on secrecy and fear, but by looking out for each other and speaking up, we can stop them from ruining more lives. If you know someone who is involved, don't ignore it take action and help them find a way out.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.