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A powerful and moving drama lifting the lid on the exploitation of young people is set to return to South Tyneside next week.

Parents, carers and professionals are being encouraged to see the free production, which focuses on 'County Lines' - an emerging type of criminal exploitation that involves vulnerable young people and adults being groomed, trapped and manipulated by organised groups and gangs into trafficking drugs and sometimes weapons.

The drama aims to raise awareness of the warning signs of criminal exploitation and provides an insight in to the coercive process.

The production is suitable for young people aged 11 years and over and has already toured secondary schools last summer. A special free performance was also held for the wider public to attend.

Now South Tyneside Safeguarding Partnership is giving people another opportunity to see County Lines with a series of free performances taking place across South Tyneside. The performances will help audiences to learn how county lines can affect anyone as well as find out more about the grooming process and the similarities and potential crossover between criminal and sexual exploitation.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "County lines is becoming apparent in many towns and major cities across the UK. It is extremely important that the wider community is aware of this practice which is why we are holding these extra free sessions for people to attend.  

"It is all too easy for children and young people to be coerced into criminal activity, a process that can all too easily make it seem as though they have 'made their own choices'. This production aims to help equip our young people with the knowledge to protect themselves as well as to support parents and carers to spot the warning signs and learn where to go for help and advice.

"We would encourage anyone with any sort of responsibility for a child, young person or adult to come along and see this performance. The more awareness we can raise about county lines, the better we can protect our local children, young people and vulnerable adults."

The free performances are taking place:

The Council Lines production is being delivered by AlterEgo Creative Solutions.

To reserve a free space contact the South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Board on 0191 454 6512 or email: SafeguardingChildrenBoard@southtyneside.gov.uk

For further information visit Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/countylines