Author warns of county line drugs during Thirsk school visit

Christina Gabbitas, an honorary member of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), recently conducted sessions at Thirsk Secondary School.

Collaborating with the North Yorkshire Police schools’ liaison team, the sessions encompassed all the risks of county lines exploitation faced by young people.

Ms Gabbitas, who has been working with North Yorkshire Police since 2021, was commissioned by the force in 2023, with funding from the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, to create the second instalment of her series addressing the issue of county lines.

(Image: Christina Gabbitas/North Yorkshire Police) The story, Trapped in County Lines, was a finalist in the People’s Book Prize in 2024 and has reached thousands of secondary school students across North Yorkshire through the delivery of such sessions.

Emphasising the urgency of the issue, she said: “Criminals are targeting children and young people from all walks of life, and this problem is persistent and not going away.

“It’s heart-breaking to hear what some children and families are subjected to.

“It is our shared responsibility to educate as much as we possibly can.

“I firmly believe in the lasting impact that storytelling can have.

“Working together we have helped to safeguard some children and young people and changed some mindsets.”

(Image: Christina Gabbitas/North Yorkshire Police) Michael Mars, the schools head of personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE), said: “The sessions were impactful and unforgettable.

“The message is crucial, county lines exploitation is affecting countless young lives.

“Instead of a traditional assembly format, we opted for smaller groups, which allowed Christina’s narrative intervention style to resonate effectively.

“The power of storytelling is essential in conveying this message in a unique and meaningful way.”

(Image: Christina Gabbitas/North Yorkshire Police) One of the students in attendance said: “It actively showed us the scary possibilities of county lines through the story told and how similar all our lives are to the young people in the beginning of the story.”

Another said: “I think the book portrays the dangers and threat of county lines really well,” while a third added: “Really good plot; easy to stay focused.”

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Sergeant Heidi Lewis, who leads the North Yorkshire Police schools and families liaison team, said: “Our collaboration with Christina continues to produce positive results.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people is central to our mission.”

The website www.trappedincountylines.co.uk, carries more information about the book and project.