No More County Lines Tour visits Wyre

Funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, five high schools across Wyre have been visited by the No More County Lines tour, highlighting the dangers of county lines, how to spot the signs of exploitation and ways to seek support.
Provided by The Message Trust and supported by the Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Network, 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 now visited five schools across the area where more than 3,100 pupils have taken part in the sessions: Cardinal Allen RC High School, Fleetwood High School, St Aidan’s High School, Millfield Science and Performing Arts College and Garstang Community Academy.

Commissioner Grunshaw said: “Lancashire officers work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs who try to manipulate and exploit young people in our county for their own benefit.

“However, prevention remains a key part of our response to county lines activity and that is exactly what this tour is delivering.

“It is vital that young people feel confident speaking out and know where to turn for help. Just as importantly, they need the knowledge and awareness to recognise the warning signs of criminal exploitation to protect themselves from harm.

“Preventing crime and safeguarding people are at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan. By investing in targeted initiatives such as this, we can help reduce crime, protect those most at risk and build safer communities across Lancashire.”

Director of English at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, Mrs Fearson-Reece, described the No More County Lines input as “superb” saying that the tour really engaged  students with a very clear and serious message to keep them safe in their community.

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

“After successfully delivering the ‘No More Knives Tour’ across Blackpool in 2023 and 2024, it’s a real privilege to return to the area in partnership with the local Police to deliver our ‘No More County Lines Tour’ to five high schools across Wyre. 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 for funding the schools programme, and to Blackburn Diocese, the local churches, including Emmanuel 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.”

Sergeant Dan Whitaker, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said: “It’s been another great tour delivered locally to our schools. The connection between the students and The Message Trust through music and spoken word is exceptional which has allowed such an important topic to be addressed in detail and follows on from successful tours in 2022 and 2023.  I hope we can work with them again soon.”

Specialist support for young victims of crime is available through Nest Lancashire. Funded by Commissioner 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.