Leo Powell is one of the UK’s leading educators on tackling drug gangs and helping young people avoid being dragged into crime

A free awareness event is being hosted in Edmonton this weekend to help people understand how ‘county lines’ drug gangs operate and what can be done to stop young people getting involved with them.

The event is being hosted by Leo Powell, a former teacher at St Ignatius College in Turkey Street, Enfield, who is now one of the UK’s leading educators on the subject – having even directed a series of films starring his own pupils.

Demonstrating a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of gangs, grooming, exploitation and more, Leo has invited some of his friends in the field to share what they do, including Sabrina Hewitt, exploitation and county lines specialist, Tara Hanna, director at Exodus Youth Worx UK in Enfield, and Jules Trompowsky, North London and West London Rescue and Response co-ordinator.

The three-and-a-half hour event at Wilbury Primary School this Saturday (4th May) will cover the following areas:

What ‘county lines’ means;
Cuckooing;
Why county lines has come to prominence;
Modern slavery;
National referral mechanism;
Exploitation;
Grooming;
Gangs and the link to county lines;
Barriers to engagement with young people;
How to spot the signs;
What parents can do;
How to report county lines.

Parents, carers and practitioners are all welcome to attend.

The County Lines Community Event takes place on Saturday 4th May, 10am-1.30pm, at Wilbury Primary School, Wilbury Way, Edmonton, N18 1DE. To book your free place:
Visit ticketsource.co.uk/leo-powell/county-lines-community-event/e-zlbglj

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