About the Project with Christina Gabbitas
Since 2020, Christina has been collaborating with police teams from North Yorkshire, Humberside, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, and Newcastle to visit schools. Her story, “No More Knives or County Lines,” is designed for children aged 10 and above and aims to raise awareness in primary schools about the dangers of drug delivery and the grim realities of knife carrying, focusing on the grooming and exploitation of young people.
In the sequel, “Trapped in County Lines,” aimed at those aged 11 and older, Christina revisits the characters three years later, who find themselves once again manipulated and exploited. The story highlights the impact of a cuckooed home, a tragic stabbing incident, and the harrowing reality of drug debt. Thirteen-year-old Luke becomes a central figure as he goes missing amidst this turmoil.
The third part of the series, titled “Missing,” continues to target readers aged 11 and up. This instalment delves deeper into the harrowing true stories of county lines exploitation, following Luke as he struggles with overwhelming debt and exploitation. Unable to manage his circumstances, he boards a train and is later found sleeping beneath a railway bridge, ultimately becoming trapped in a drug den.
Christina Gabbitas is an award-winning author, Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council, Coronation Champion, founder of the Children’s Literature Festivals charity, and was awarded a Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Her impactful writing commissions include collaborations with organisations such as North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire PCC, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Nuneaton and Bedworth Council with Warwickshire PCC, Humberside PCC, Santen, Aspergillosis Trust, York Castle Museum, The Visual Group Doncaster, and Blackburn BID.
Notably, her recent work, “Missing,” commissioned by North Yorkshire Police and funded by the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, reflects her dedication to educating children and young people about the signs of exploitation and all that can be associated with it. Christina actively partners with various Police Forces, contributing to her transformative impact using the power of storytelling with her writing.
No More Knives story was a People’s Book Prize Finalist
Trapped in County Lines & No More Knives County Lines were People’s Book Prize Finalists
Meet the characters
Luke
Jade
Mia
Brandon
Shop Keeper
Ish
Mike
Matty
Mandy & Baloo
Tim
Events coming soon:
National Competition to have your work published!
PEN A POEM – WRITE LYRICS!
… to raise awareness of children & young people who go missing due to exploitation.
Ages 12 to 21
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE OVER OR VISIT
WWW.MISSINGSTORY.CO.UK/COMPETITION
Judges include: spoken word artists, musicians, police, youth workers and Louder Than Words Festival
Brought to you by Christina Gabbitas
Research Collaborators & Supporters
Christina wishes to express her gratitude to DCI Carol Kirk from North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Unit, DI Jonathan Sygrove, and DI Adam Norton of National County Lines Coordination Centre, who played a crucial role in verifying the story. She also acknowledges John Fielding from Crimestoppers West Yorkshire, retired Police Dog Handler Mandy Chapman of Essex Police, and the victims of exploitation along with their families for their invaluable contributions. Further appreciation goes to Sgt Heidi Lewis, T/DCS, Head of Protective Services Fran Naughton, and Chief Constable Tim Forber at North Yorkshire Police for recognising the significance of this work.
Harrogate Police Cadets
Christina vheld a session with Harrogate Police Cadets to talk about all that can be associated with county lines expolitation and associated crime. The team are helping to get the message out into our communities, distributing the Listen Up poetry and lyric book from Christina’s voluntary national initiative.
T/DS Jonathan Sygrove
Pictured here with Jon. Christina spent some time chatting with T/DS Jonathan Sygrove to learn from his knowledge and share ideas for the story.
Yorkshire & Humber Child Criminal Expolitation Conference NCLCC
Christina, picture here with Suzanne Gall, West Yorkshire Police, was invited to speak at this conference in March to talk about her early intervention work. This conference was also beneficial for Christina to talk to various practitioners and policing working to educate and support children and young people who have been exploited.
Youth Commission
Christina spent time with North Yorkshire Youth Commission discussing the topic and giving their opinions on what they would like to see addressed in the story.
Here are some organisations for you to contact,
should you need help…
……..
……..
Childline is a private and confidential service where you can talk to specially trained counsellors about anything that is worrying you.
www.childline.org.uk 0800 1111
Give information anonymously to CrimeStoppers
Your anonymity is 100% guaranteed. CrimeStoppers are not interested in who you are, only what you know, so the more detail you give them, the better.
Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality.
FRANK is a very useful website that gives you honest information about drugs.
Drugs can be a hard subject to discuss, especially if you think your friend or relative has a problem. Try to stay open-minded and remember that, with the right help and support, most people overcome their use before any serious harm is caused. You or your friend can call FRANK anytime on 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice.
Reviews
Victim of Exploitation
Once again, Christina’s dedication to research, engagement and really understanding County Lines has resulted in a relevant and realistic story. The characters are relatable and hopefully will prompt discussion. Whilst Police and professional partners work tirelessly to safeguard young and vulnerable people, the best protection is prevention. Education and awareness is key. This story, I am sure, will resonate with readers, who I hope will be able to see that there is a way out of what is invariably a terrifying experience. For those individuals and their families, please know there is support and protection available. The first step is speaking out.
Carol Kirk
Parent of Victim
Adam Norton
Add your testimonial about the story, and or Christina's work; email: info@christinagabbitas.com
Hard hitting and really makes you think.
I deliver safeguarding training to adults, including taxi drivers and think it will be good to use within these. It's hard hitting but really shows how easily these young people become involved. Really well done
Amazing feedback and really helpful
Thank you Christina for an excellent story
What if I'm involved in gun and knife crime?
You can call Childline on 0800 1111 at any time if you're worried about your own safety. Or if you think someone you know is carrying or even using a gun or knife.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you want to report a crime that has happened. Don't be afraid to be strong and do the right thing.