Exploitation and county lines

About exploitation

Lots of people find themselves involved with gangs, or facing pressure to commit crimes for other people. Some young people go missing because they are ‘going country’; travelling away from home to sell drugs.

We know that it is hard to walk away from this. We can help get messages home to family and talk you if you don’t feel safe. We’re here for you if you need to talk to someone, and we’re here for any families or carers who are worrying about someone who is caught up in a gang or selling drugs.

Help

For young people - SafeCall

SafeCall is a confidential, non-judgemental, specialist support service for young people and their families living in England and Wales, who are worried about or affected by county lines. We won’t judge you, or tell you what to do – we can listen, offer advice and help you to be safe.

For young people - Runaway Helpline

If you’re a young person and you are in a gang, or being pressured to commit crime for others, our Runaway Helpline is here to help.

For families

If you are worried that your child is being criminally exploited, particularly if this is leading to them going missing, we can support you.

For professionals

We can make contact with a young person you’re working with, or their family, if they need support around county lines.