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:
