# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Early Help Assessment (EHA) and Supporting Documents – Professional Choices

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
National County Lines Coordination Centre

# data[].attributes.headline
Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously 

# data[].attributes.subject
Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fearless: Anonymous Reporting for a Safer Community | Crimestoppers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover Fearless, the innovative anonymous reporting platform by CrimeStoppers UK. With Fearless, you can play a crucial role in ensuring a safer community. Learn how our secure and confidential system empowers individuals to report crime without fear of retaliation. Join us in breaking the silence and making a difference today

# data[].attributes.body
SafeCall is a free, confidential and anonymous helpline and support service for young people and family members that are affected by missing, county lines and criminal exploitation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SafeCall is a confidential and anonymous helpline and support service for young people and family members that are affected by missing, county lines and criminal exploitation.

# data[].attributes.body
County lines is a form of criminal exploitation. It is when criminals befriend children, either online of offline, and then manipulate them into drug dealing. The 'lines' refer to mobile phones that are used to control a young person who is delivering drugs, often to towns outside their home county.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
County lines is not a new thing. You may have heard about it on the news or in TV shows like Hollyoaks. But beyond the headlines and scripts, it's a stark reality for many young people. Here we unpack the truth about county lines and how we work to restore the hopes of children being forced to carry drugs across the country.

What does county lines mean?

County lines is a form of criminal exploitation. It is when criminals befriend children, either online of offline, and then manipulate them into drug dealing. The 'lines' refer to mobile phones that are used to control a young person who is delivering drugs, often to towns outside their home county.
Here are some things you might not know about county lines exploitation:

County lines is everywhere

County lines facts

of English police forces have seen county lines activity in their area and the violence is getting worse.

parents are worried about county lines in their local area.

county lines is everywhere

We work with children from London, Birmingham and Greater Manchester who have been trafficked all over the country to other big cities as well as smaller towns. We also work with professionals across various counties.

In Northumberland, our Prevention Team highlighted how easy it was to find the details of children in residential care. Exploiters could easily identify potential victims with a simple online search, putting many children at risk. This is now changing. Public information is being reviewed and more children are being safeguarded.

Children are not the problem

This may sound obvious but only recently has there been some recognition of the fact that a child caught up in county lines is a victim of exploitation. Often they are treated as criminals, not victims. Fortunately, attitudes are changing. However, gender, age, ethnicity and background can still affect how professionals respond to children.

We work hard so any child affected by county lines gets the support they need to escape a life of exploitation. We train police, social workers and other professionals so they can better respond to children and make them feel safe rather than criminalised.

County lines is visible

County lines operations are often hard to spot, but the signs are visible. We could all be in a position to stop it.

You might notice a child has multiple mobiles, comes home with unexplained injuries or bruising, suddenly has new trainers they can't afford. These could all be indicators that a young person is in trouble. We encourage everyone to learn the signs of exploitation and how to report it if worried.
Young people can and should live a life free of exploitation. Together we can help them break free from their abusers and face their future with confidence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
County lines is a form of exploitation in which criminals groom and manipulate children into drug dealing. It's big in the UK. Find out more.

# data[].attributes.body
Across the country, young people are being manipulated, sexually abused, forced to launder money and deal drugs. Exploitation isn't obvious. But it happens everywhere. And you can stop it. Get to know the signs of child exploitation and how to report it through our award-winning #LookCloser campaign with the British Transport Police and National County Lines Coordination Centre. Together we can protect children from this abuse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
#LookCloser is a national campaign encouraging everyone to learn the signs of child exploitation, look closer in communities and know how to report exploitation if worried.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tell us if you are worried about a child or young person who could be in danger

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Everything you ever wanted to know!

Latest Publications
View All

Subscribe to our learning bulletin & newsletter!

We will keep you up to date with the latest policies, research, knowledge, and best practice in child protection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everything you ever wanted to know! View All We will keep you up to date with the latest policies, research, knowledge, and best practice in child protection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Village Agents | Somerset Village & Community Agents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Somerset Village and Community agents are part of CCS & dedicated to supporting & helping people to thrive – often helping when others won’t, don’t or can’t.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Thank you so much for your invaluable and life-changing work that you have done with 'P'. As a result of your care, skill and commitment, 'P' can continue to inspire others as the truly exceptional young lady and learner that she always has been. She has grown in confidence, around adults in class and her peers, since working with you; she is appropriately assertive in a way that was less evident before your sessions. 'P' seems more confident, not only externally, but in themselves. Throughout Year 6, 'P' has developed their identity, esteem and ability to celebrate successes more deeply, truly giving 'P' skills that they will retain throughout their life as a learner and as a person."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Thank you so much for your invaluable and life-changing work that you have done with 'P'. As a result of your care, skill and commitment, 'P' can continue to inspire others as the truly exceptional young lady and learner that she always has been.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Need help after crime?

Get in touch anytime for independent, free, and confidential advice:

In an emergency you should always call 999.

Our services are confidential. We will only share information about you without your consent if we're concerned about your, or someone else's safety, or if we're required to by law. Read our privacy policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Victim Support is the independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.

# data[].attributes.body
We provide independent support for anyone (women, men, children) who has been the victim of rape and sexual abuse across the whole of Avon and Somerset area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Safe Link telephone help lines are open 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Call 0333 323 1543 Services we offer What to do in a crisis

# data[].attributes.body
Please let us know if you need any food parcels - this can be collected from School - please email obentley@pyrlandschool.com for more information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We have been commissioned by Somerset Council to deliver the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service. Julian House will be providing the refuge and safe accommodation and we will be joined by a counselling team in 2024.

Our team offer targeted support for victims, children, and people causing harm in their intimate relationships.

We are also been funded and commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and National Government.
Download a referral form for children and young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Somerset - Paragon Team - SIDAS - Domestic abuse services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have been commissioned by Somerset Council to deliver their Integrated Domestic Abuse Services known locally as SIDAS.

# data[].attributes.body
Tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people

# data[].attributes.headline
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)

# data[].attributes.subject
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service - Opening times

Monday: 09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00

Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00

Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

You are not alone on this journey. Our mentors have been on the same path as you

"I became a peer mentor with Turning Point because I want to help others on their journey. I know how hard it is, but I also know that it's possible to recover and live a sober and fulfilling life."

Michelle - Peer Mentor

Read Michelle's story

"I've learned so much - as well as supporting the people who use the service, my confidence has really grown, and I've even gone back to college too."

Kerrie - Peer Mentor

Read Kerrie's story

"My confidence began to grow and I was learning to become more sociable without having to use any substances. I had a great sense of control and freedom back."

Tammy - Peer Mentor

Read Tammy's story

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) | Turning Point

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service is run by Turning Point. We create individual recovery plans from a range of services, no matter what your situation is. We offer services for adults, young people and their family and friends.

# data[].attributes.headline
With You - Free and confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health

# data[].attributes.subject
With You - Free and confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What to expect from our services

We're here to listen, not judge, and we won't tell anyone about anything you tell us without your permission.

We'll work together with you on your personal goals, whatever they may be. You can meet us where you feel most comfortable, such as at your home, school, college, or youth club.

You don't have to pay for any of our services.

Thinking about getting in touch with one of our young person's services?
Here's what you can expect

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We provide support for young people and their families experiencing challenges with drugs, alcohol or mental health.