County Lines
County Lines is a hard-hitting and eye-opening film that pulls back the curtain on the dark world of gang exploitation. Told through the chillingly candid words of Dex, a seasoned drug dealer, the film reveals the six-stage system he uses to recruit vulnerable young people into the dangerous world of County Lines drug trafficking.
Dex walks the audience through each calculated step of the grooming process—how he identifies potential recruits, gains their trust, creates dependency, and gradually strips away their control until they are trapped in a cycle they cannot escape. Through manipulation, threats, and false promises of loyalty, he turns everyday teenagers into drug runners, forcing them to take the risks while he reaps the rewards.
County Lines is a gripping and unsettling insight into the methods used by gangs to exploit young people, making it an essential watch for students. Accompanied by a resource pack, the film encourages open discussions in the classroom about grooming, exploitation, and the importance of recognizing the warning signs before it’s too late.
Check out the Trailer:
One of the UK's leading providers
This course has been devised by Narrative Alchemy, a UK-based organisation dedicated to using film, storytelling, and education to tackle complex social issues affecting young people.
Through impactful films, applied theatre, workshops, and digital learning resources, Narrative Alchemy create engaging, research-backed content that helps schools, educators, and communities address critical topics such as County Lines, Child Sexual Exploitation, Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control, and Knife Crime. Beyond working with schools, colleges, and universities, they collaborate with the NHS, MoD, police forces, and social services, providing effective intervention tools to safeguard young people. Their work extends across the UK and internationally, partnering with educators, safeguarding professionals, and policymakers to develop solutions that spark conversations, build resilience, and drive real change - ensuring young people are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make safe, informed choices.
The course covers:
-
WHAT? What Child Criminal Exploitation (County Lines) is.
-
HOW? How young people can be tricked, trapped, and manipulated into becoming involved.
-
WHO? Who to turn to for help, support, or advice.
About the Course
Adapted from Narrative Alchemy's hugely successful applied theatre performance, this one-hour session helps secondary school students understand the dangers of County Lines exploitation. Through a powerful short film and a teacher-led discussion, students will learn how young people are tricked, trapped, and manipulated by criminal networks - often without realising it. The course breaks down the stages of grooming, and provides clear guidance on where to get help and support.
FAQ
-
How much does the course cost?
This course is available to purchase for £199.
-
How long will I have access to the course?
You will be able to access the course for 12 months?
-
What age range is the material suitable for?
The film and resource pack are suitable for all ages in KS3 and KS4.
Unlimited access for 12 months
By subscribing, your school will get 12 months of unlimited access to this powerful County Lines awareness resource, meaning you can use it multiple times across KS3 and KS4 classes. This allows you to deliver the session to different classes in different year groups at a time that suits you - ensuring as many students as possible benefit from this essential safeguarding education.