Southwark College welcomed Michael Situ, Mayor of Southwark and St Giles Trust's representatives, to deliver a thought-provoking talk to students to raise awareness of County Lines and address a pressing issue affecting communities across the UK to safeguard young people in Southwark.
During the session, students heard real-life stories. They had access to statistics and insights into the mechanisms employed by drug gangs to exploit vulnerable individuals, especially young people, to equip them with the knowledge to make informed choices.
Michael Situ, Mayor of Southwark, said: "The talk delivered by Cairo at Southwark College left a profound impact on the audience, proving to be both impactful and insightful. His first-hand understanding, particularly from an exploitation perspective, illuminated the intricacies of the County Lines issue, showcasing it as an exceptionally challenging societal dilemma. By delving into the complexities surrounding exploitation within the context of drug gangs, the talk provided a nuanced perspective that went beyond surface-level discussions."
The impactful talk raised awareness of the importance of education and community support in breaking the cycle of involvement with drug gangs. It highlighted the resources available through organisations like St Giles, which guide and assist individuals aiming to distance themselves from criminal activities.
Joel Tetey-White, a Southwark College Health and Social Care student, said: "I enjoyed attending the County Lines talk; it was a revelation for me. The speaker's professional perspective on exploitation provided a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with this issue, and learning about the different types of support available for the community was very helpful."
Scott Peasey, Vice Principal at Southwark College, said: "We're pleased to have welcomed the Mayor of Southwark and Cairo from St Giles to deliver this session and share powerful prevention tools with our students.
"By raising awareness and providing valuable insights into the consequences of involvement with County Lines drug gangs, the session empowered young people to make informed choices and contribute to creating safer, more resilient communities in Southwark and across the UK."
To find out more about Safeguarding and Student Support available to students at Southwark College, visit southwark.ac.uk/student-services
