Escapeline is a charity committed to the prevention of the criminal and sexual exploitation of young people by gangs across South West England, with a particular focus on Dorset and Somerset. For years, thousands of children have been exploited through the practice of County Lines, in which highly organised urban gangs take over provincial drugs markets. County Line gangs are increasing their operations to recruit local youngsters from small towns rather than the big cities and South West England has been particularly targeted.
Funding from the Company helped cover the costs of the Youth Mentor, who educates and raises awareness of child exploitation by county line gangs in SW England. The Youth Mentor uses his first-hand experience of being exploited by county line gangs for 10 years. He shares his powerful and at times distressing story, connecting with young people and helping them to understand the dangers and how to remove themselves from harmful situations they may find themselves in; this feedback is a great example:
“having someone who was exploited helped get the message across more, because it felt more personal, rather than someone who just knows about it”
So with the Company’s help, Escapeline has educated or mentored 5,984 young people through assemblies and workshops in primary schools, 1-1 mentoring and small group work across Somerset and Dorset.
After one session, with young people, a number of posters were designed which are shown here.
