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Hundreds of young Londoners saved from dangerous County Lines gangs

Hundreds of young Londoners saved from dangerous County Lines gangs

18 August 2022

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Brent Communications

Hundreds of young people across London have been saved from the dangers of County Lines gangs thanks to a £5.6m scheme led by Brent Council and partners, and funded by the Mayor of London.

The Rescue and Response scheme targets youngsters caught up in County Lines, the name given to drug dealing where phone lines are used to move and supply drugs across the country.

Since the scheme began three years ago, more than 450 young people have engaged with the support provided and benefited from positive opportunities such as training, education and help getting a job.

A recent report by Brent Council reveals that in the past year, nine out of 10 young Londoners supported by the scheme have reduced or completely stopped their involvement in county lines.

The report also showed that over 1,000 social workers and staff from other frontline organisations have taken specialist training to spot hidden signs of exploitation in vulnerable young women and girls involved in county lines. These professionals provide the support needed for them to escape exploitation.

Cllr Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection at Brent Council said:

“

The Rescue and Response scheme has provided a crucial lifeline for hundreds of vulnerable young people across the city, helping them away from criminal activity and towards opportunity

”

“I look forward to continuing this successful partnership, which is even more important now as the cost of living crisis puts even more young people at risk.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“It’s vital that we support young people and keep them safe from exploitation by criminal gangs.

“I am determined to ensure we provide an escape route for young Londoners who feel trapped and I’m pleased the Rescue and Response programme is working to break the chain of criminality that holds some of our most vulnerable young men, women, girls and boys hostage.”

The Rescue and Response Scheme was set up and funded by the Mayor of London.

It is run in partnership by Brent and specialist services providers Abianda, St Giles and Safer London, to offer support across London for young people up to the age of 25. The Rescue and Response strategic oversight consists of representatives from Newham, Tower Hamlets and Enfield.

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