No More County Lines Tour sees 4,000 students educated on dangers

Provided by The Message Trust, the powerful sessions allow young people to listen to first hand stories of those involved in exploitation, knife crime and drug offences.

Encouraging open and supportive discussions, the Tour has visited six schools across Hyndburn from 9^th to 13^th February and follows a similar ‘No More Knives’ tour focusing on knife crime, which saw strong engagement across Lancashire schools.

Funding was provided by Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and supported by his Violence Reduction Network.

Participating Hyndburn schools included Accrington Academy, St Christophers, Mount Carmel, The Hollins, The Hyndburn Academy and Oswaldtwistle School.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Kimberley Whitehead joined the session at Hollins High School to see first-hand the ways students engage and interact with them.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: “The exploitation of vulnerable people by criminals’ intent on profiting from the suffering of others does not respect police borders, with organised gangs all too often looking to take advantage of young people.

“Whilst officers work around the clock to break up these criminal enterprises, prevention is at the heart of our response to county lines across Lancashire, which is what this tour is all about.

“It’s absolutely vital that young people can be confident that there is support available, encouraging them to speak up whilst also equipping them with the knowledge of how to spot the signs of criminal exploitation.

“Preventing crime and protecting victims are both at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan, and by backing targeted projects like this one we can deliver less crime and safer communities.”

Emma Owen, Head of Youth Engagement at the Message Trust said:

“After successfully delivering the ‘No More Knives Tour’ to six schools across Burnley and Accrington in 2022, it’s a real privilege to return in partnership with the local Police to deliver our ‘No More County Lines Tour’ to six high schools across Hyndburn. By combining music with powerful storytelling and practical teaching, we’re equipping young people with the awareness, resilience, and confidence to recognise the dangers of drugs, grooming, gang culture, and violence and to make informed choices about their future.

This tour simply wouldn’t be possible without the belief and backing of our partners. Huge thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and Accrington Police for funding the schools programme, and to Blackburn Diocese, the local churches, including Brave Church (for providing the venue) for the end-of-tour concert. Your investment isn’t just funding events—it’s empowering young people with knowledge that protects, choices that strengthen, and hope that lasts.”

Specialist support for young victims of crime is available through Nest Lancashire. Funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, Nest helps young people recover from their experiences by offering free, confidential emotional and practical support. Anyone in need can speak to the Nest team in confidence. Further information is available at nestlancashire.org.